Welcome Home, Artemis II (Official NASA Recap)

The Space Launch System (Artemis II) launched, with bright fire from its engines propelling the rocket upwards against a dark blue sky. Astronaut Jeremy Hansen and the other three suited-up astronauts were seen walking down a hallway before the launch. Crowds filmed the ascent with their phones as the rocket climbed. One of the boosters separated during launch, drifting back towards Earth. Inside the cabin, the crew captured video, and a closeup showed the cabin separating in space. Images included Earth with blue water and a sandy landmass. A montage depicted the Moon going through phases as the astronauts orbited, eventually darkening due to an eclipse. "Earthrise" showed the Moon in the foreground with Earth behind it. Videos from Mission Control and shots of the Moon during the eclipse were also featured. The astronauts were seen within the cabin during their journey, followed by images and video of the splashdown, showing all four astronauts safe and celebrating on their recovery ship.