Artemis II astronauts share new images, prepare for return to Earth

Astronauts aboard Artemis II are giving a final look at their historic journey as they prepare to return home.

(CNN)- Astronauts aboard Artemis II are giving a final look at their historic journey as they prepare to return home.

Speaking during a live press conference from space on day eight of the mission, astronaut Victor Glover said the crew is bringing back far more than what the public has already seen.

“There’s so much data that you’ve seen already, but all the good stuff is coming back with us,” Glover said. “There’s so many more pictures, so many more stories.”

The crew is now racing back toward Earth, with splashdown expected Friday evening off the coast of San Diego.

Glover added he has long anticipated the intense re-entry process.

“I’ve actually been thinking about entry since April 3rd, 2023,” he said. “We’ve still got two more days, and riding a fireball through the atmosphere is profound as well.”

NASA officials say everything remains on track for a safe return.

“No issues seen that would make us have any pause for the re-entry,” said Debbie Korth.

Once the spacecraft lands in the Pacific Ocean, recovery teams will transport the astronauts by helicopter to the USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26), where they will undergo medical evaluations before heading back to shore.

Meanwhile, NASA continues to release new images from the mission, including a group photo of the crew and a stunning view of the Milky Way.

Officials say the image captures a rare perspective of our galaxy—free from Earth’s atmosphere—revealing a glowing ribbon of stars and cosmic filaments.

“It’s great to see them doing so well and in such great spirits,” said Lakiesha Hawkins.

The mission marks a major step forward in NASA’s efforts to return humans to the Moon, with even more discoveries expected once the crew returns and mission data is fully analyzed.