jsc2026e022287 (April 11, 2026) – NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, addresses a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues assembled for the return of the Artemis II crew at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022285 (April 11, 2026) – NASA Flight Operations Director Norm Knight, addresses a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues assembled for the return of the Artemis II crew at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022298 (April 11, 2026) – Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell, addresses a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues assembled for the return of the Artemis II crew at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman greets Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover at the Artemis II crew’s return home to Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The crew flew in to Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and were greeted by friends, family, and colleagues following their return from a 10-day mission around the Moon and back. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022320 (April 11, 2026) - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman greets Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen at the Artemis II crew’s return home to Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The crew flew in to Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and were greeted by friends, family, and colleagues following their return from a 10-day mission around the Moon and back. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022288 (April 11, 2026) – The Artemis II crew and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, pictured here among the crowd of friends, family, and colleagues assembled for the return of the crew at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
This graphic details return operations for SpaceX missions to the International Space Station. SpaceX is one of two commercial partners providing transportation to and from the space station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
jsc2026e022272 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022271 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (center) returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022273 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following her 10-day mission around the Moon. She and her three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022276 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022275 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022270 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is greeted by NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins and other members of the NASA astronaut corps on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Hansen and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022279 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman is greeted by NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Wiseman and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022278 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman is greeted by NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Wiseman and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022280 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman is greeted by NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Wiseman and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022282 (April 11, 2026) - Commander Reid Wiseman is greeted by NASA's Flight Operations Director Norm Knight on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Wiseman and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022277 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover is greeted by NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Glover and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022283 (April 11, 2026) - Commander Reid Wiseman is greeted by NASA's Flight Operations Director Norm Knight on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Wiseman and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022313 (April 11, 2026) – NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche addresses a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues assembled for the return of the Artemis II crew at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022296 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II mission specialist, Christina Koch, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
jsc2026e022291 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II pilot, Victor Glover, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
jsc2026e022295 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew members, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, during the brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022294 (April 11, 2026) - CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022269 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover (top) and Mission Specialist Christina Koch (center) return home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following their 10-day mission around the Moon. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022293 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022292 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022290 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
jsc2026e022274 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover (top) and Mission Specialist Christina Koch (center) return home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following their 10-day mission around the Moon. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
jsc2026e022317 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew commander Reid Wiseman shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
Date: 07-22-11 Location: Ellington, 990 Subject: STS-135 Crew Return Photographer: James Blair
Date: 07-22-11 Location: Ellington, 990 Subject: STS-135 Crew Return Photographer: Devin Boldt
jsc2026e022311 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
jsc2026e022312 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
jsc2026e022316 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
STS-135 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: July 22, 2011. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
STS-135 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: July 22, 2011. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
STS-135 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: July 22, 2011. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
This is an artist's concept of the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV). The X-38 will take place of the Russian Soyuz capsule and is well underway on development for the International Space Station. The Soyuz can only stay on orbit for six months as opposed to three years for the CRV.
The seventh free flight of an X-38 prototype for an emergency space station crew return vehicle culminated in a graceful glide to landing under the world's largest parafoil. The mission began when the X-38 was released from NASA's B-52 mother ship over Edwards Air Force Base, California, where NASA Dryden Flight Research Center is located. The July 10, 2001 flight helped researchers evaluate software and deployment of the X-38's drogue parachute and subsequent parafoil. NASA intends to create a space-worthy Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) to be docked to the International Space Station as a "lifeboat" to enable a full seven-person station crew to evacuate in an emergency.
JSC2011-E-070464 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronaut Sandy Magnus, STS-135 mission specialist, is pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070458 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, is pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070274 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, is pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2006-E-41579 (22 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-115 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2011-E-070271 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronaut Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, is pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2006-E-41582 (22 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-115 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2011-E-070491 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronaut Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, is pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2006-E-41576 (22 Sept. 2006) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris A. Hadfield speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-115 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2011-E-070500 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronauts Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both STS-135 mission specialists, are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070526 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-135 crew members are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070270 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-135 crew members are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070230 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left) and STS-135 crew members are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Pictured from second left are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. A large crowd of supporters is visible in the foreground. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070523 (22 July 2011) --- NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson (center), STS-135 commander; and Doug Hurley, pilot, hold up a photo of the plaque that was left in space shuttle Atlantis by the STS-135 crew members during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center (JSC). JSC director Michael L. Coats is at left. Photo credit: NASA
jsc2026e022310 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
The X-38 prototype of the Crew Return Vehicle for the International Space Station is suspended under its giant 7,500-square-foot parafoil during its eighth free flight on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001. A portion of the descent was flown by remote control by a NASA astronaut from a ground vehicle configured like the CRV's interior before the X-38 made an autonomous landing on Rogers Dry Lake.
The X-38 prototype of the Crew Return Vehicle for the International Space Station is suspended under its giant 7,500-square-foot parafoil during its eighth free flight on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001. A portion of the descent was flown by remote control by a NASA astronaut from a ground vehicle configured like the CRV's interior before the X-38 made an autonomous landing on Rogers Dry Lake.
JSC2011-E-070374 (22 July 2011) --- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas), NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats and STS-135 crew members are pictured in Ellington Field?s Hangar 990 near JSC during the STS-135 crew return ceremonies. Crew members (seated from the left) are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. A large crowd of supporters is visible in the foreground. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2006-E-28436 (18 July 2006) --- Flight director Annette Hasbrook speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28432 (18 July 2006) --- NASA associate administrator Rex Geveden speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
STS-127 Crew Return, Ellington Field Location: Ellington, 990
JSC2011-E-070471 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left), Houston Mayor Annise Parker, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) and NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070272 (22 July 2011) --- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) speaks to a crowd on hand at Ellington Field?s Hangar 990 near NASA?s Johnson Space Center (JSC) during the STS-135 crew return ceremonies. JSC director Michael L. Coats is visible in the background. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070276 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (left), Houston Mayor Annise Parker, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R.-Texas) and NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, are pictured during the STS-135 crew return ceremony on July 22, 2011 at Ellington Field near JSC. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-070263 (22 July 2011) --- NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (right) greets NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, shortly after he and three other crew members arrived at Ellington Field near JSC. Awaiting them was a large crowd on hand in nearby Hangar 990 to welcome them home to Houston during a return ceremony for the final mission for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA
jsc2026e022281 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch is greeted by NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche on her return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Koch and her three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.
JSC2008-E-014966 (21 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Steve Frick, STS-122 commander, is pictured at the STS-122 crew return ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 21 in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center.
JSC2006-E-28458 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Steven W. Lindsey, STS-121 commander, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28463 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Steven W. Lindsey (left), STS-121 commander, and flight director Steve Stich visit in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near JSC during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28451 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Lisa M. Nowak, STS-121 mission specialist, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28444 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Mark E. Kelly, STS-121 pilot, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2008-E-014959 (21 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialist, is pictured at the STS-122 crew return ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 21 in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center.
JSC2006-E-28449 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Michael E. Fossum, STS-121 mission specialist, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2008-E-014907 (21 Feb. 2008) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (right) greets astronauts Rex Walheim (left) and Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialists, at Ellington Field near JSC prior to the STS-122 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28459 (18 July 2006) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Director Michael L. Coats speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near JSC during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28439 (18 July 2006) --- Flight director Tony Ceccacci speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies. Astronaut Steven W. Lindsey, STS-121 commander, is at left.
JSC2006-E-28445 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson, STS-121 mission specialist, photographed in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies.
JSC2006-E-28442 (18 July 2006) --- Astronaut Piers J. Sellers, STS-121 mission specialist, applauds during the STS-121 crew return ceremonies in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center.
Photo Date:008-01-2009 Location: Ellington Field; Hangar 990 Subject: STS127 Crew Return Photog: David DeHoyos, James Blair
STS-119 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: March 29, 2009. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
STS-119 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: March 29, 2009. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
STS-119 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: March 29, 2009. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
JSC2000-E-27056 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, mission specialist, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies.
JSC2000-E-27052 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut Pamela Melroy, STS-92 pilot, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies.
STS-119 Crew Return Ceremony to Ellington Field. Photo Date: March 29, 2009. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
JSC2000-E-27051 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut Brian Duffy, STS-92 commander, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies.
jsc2026e022308 (April 11, 2026) – U.S. Representative Michael Cloud, addresses a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues assembled for the return of the Artemis II crew at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
PHOTO DATE: 03-29-09 LOCATION: Ellington - Hangar 990 SUBJECT: STS-119 crew return ceremony. Photograph s of crew arriving, overall views, individual views of each astronaut, other special speakers, interaction with crowd, signing autographs. PHOTOGRAPHER: Devin Boldt
JSC2000-04612 (30 May 2000) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms, mission specialist, speaks to a crowd at the crew-welcoming ceremonies at Ellington Field. The seven-member crew returned to Houston after spending its first night in Florida following the completion of the STS-101 mission.
JSC2000-04610 (30 May 2000) --- Cosmonaut Yury V. Usachev, mission specialist representing the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, speaks to a crowd at the crew-welcoming ceremonies at Ellington Field. The seven-member crew returned to Houston after spending its first night in Florida following the completion of the STS-101 mission.
PHOTO DATE: 03-29-09 LOCATION: Ellington - Hangar 990 SUBJECT: STS-119 crew return ceremony. Photograph s of crew arriving, overall views, individual views of each astronaut, other special speakers, interaction with crowd, signing autographs. PHOTOGRAPHER: Devin Boldt
PHOTO DATE: 03-29-09 LOCATION: Ellington - Hangar 990 SUBJECT: STS-119 crew return ceremony. Photograph s of crew arriving, overall views, individual views of each astronaut, other special speakers, interaction with crowd, signing autographs. PHOTOGRAPHER: Devin Boldt
JSC2002-E-09321 (13 March 2002) --- Astronaut Michael J. Massimino, STS-109 mission specialist, greets the assembled crowd in Hangar 990 at Ellington Field during the crew return ceremonies.
S99-08178 (28 July 1999) --- Normally housing NASA's fleet of T-38 jet trainers, this Ellington Field hangar was filled instead with well wishers for the returning crew of STS-93 on the morning of July 28, 1999.
JSC2000-E-27055 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut Peter J.K. (Jeff) Wisoff, STS-92 mission specialist, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies.
JSC2000-E-27054 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut William (Bill) McArthur, STS-92 mission specialist, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies.
JSC2000-E-27058 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut Koichi Wakata, mission specialist, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies. Wakata represents Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA).
JSC2000-E-27053 (27 October 2000) --- Astronaut Leroy Chiao, STS-92 mission specialist, addresses crowd at Ellington Field during crew return ceremonies.
JSC2002-E-42178 (19 October 2002) --- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, addresses a crowd on hand at Ellington Field's Hangar 990 during crew return ceremonies for the STS-112 crewmembers.
JSC2002-E-09339 (13 March 2002) --- Astronaut Duane G. Carey, STS-109 pilot, speaks from the lectern in Hangar 990 at Ellington Field during the crew return ceremonies.