10 | Artemis Explained: Countdown to splashdown

On Flight Day 9 of the Artemis II mission, hosts Jacinta Bowler and Belinda Smith provide a detailed breakdown of the final stages of the astronauts' return from the Moon. With splashdown scheduled for just after 10am Australian Eastern Standard Time, the episode focuses on the critical re-entry sequence, including the separation of the crew module from the service module, the intense heat shield phase reaching 2,600°C, and the 13-minute atmospheric entry window during which communications are lost due to plasma formation. The team explains how astronauts prepare by donning orange launch suits with orthostatic compression garments to prevent blood pooling upon re-exposure to gravity. The episode highlights the engineering decisions behind the new, more direct re-entry path—avoiding the 'skip manoeuvre' used in Artemis 1 to reduce heat shield stress. After splashdown off the coast of San Diego, the astronauts remain in the capsule for up to an hour to allow cooling systems to disperse ammonia before being recovered via inflatable 'front porch' boats and helicopter transport. The hosts also address listener questions on space math, gravity, and the physics of propulsion in vacuum, while humorously debunking myths about alcohol in space—especially carbonated drinks like champagne, which pose serious risks due to 'wet burps' in microgravity. A fun surprise: astronauts discovered hidden socks and treats in the Orion capsule before launch, adding a lighthearted note to the high-stakes finale.