U.S. Navy divers prepare to deploy for night operations on Nov. 3, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha. NASA's Recovery Team is testing to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

NASA and the U.S. Navy prepare for night operations on Nov. 3, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha. NASA's Recovery Team is testing to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

U.S. Navy divers prepare for night operations on Nov. 3, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha. NASA's Recovery Team is testing to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

U.S. Navy divers prepare for night operations on Nov. 3, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha. NASA's Recovery Team is testing to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

John Stirling, with Jacobs on the NASA Recovery Team, unties the test version of the Orion crew capsule before Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) night operations on Nov. 3, 2018, in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha. URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Apollo-era recovery engineer Milt Heflin takes time out from Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) to pose in front of a test version of the Orion capsule in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 3, 2018. The capsule is being used during testing. URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

From the USS John P. Murtha, Engineman 2nd Class Christian Maldonado, at right, reaches for a tending line that Seaman Dante Jones, at left, will grab. The crew will then attach the line to the test version of the Orion capsule to help guide into the ship's well deck during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

A test version of the Orion capsule is guided onto its cradle in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 3, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7). The test is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

U.S. Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class David Liberty of the USS John P. Murtha communicates with the NASA Recovery Team during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018, in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team and U.S. Navy are performing to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Members of the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team monitor the depth of the water in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018. URT-7 is one in a series conducted the EGS Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

At night, on Nov. 1, 2018, a test version of the Orion capsule is pulled into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT) in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

During Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), NASA's Recovery Team watches the U.S. Navy crew man the tending lines when bringing the Orion capsule into the well deck of a ship on Nov. 1, 2018, aboard the USS John P. Murtha. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Lead NASA Operations Engineer Courtney Stern, with the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Recovery Team, inspects the pony collar on a test version of the Orion capsule in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha before a night deployment on Nov. 3, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7). URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the EGS Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Inside the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha, a winch line pulls the test version of the Orion capsule onto its cradle while tending lines on the well walls help guide it into place during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018. URT-7 is one in a series conducted the EGS Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

During Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), the crew of the USS John P. Murtha simulate transporting an astronaut from a test version of the Orion capsule onto the ship on Nov. 1, 2018. The test is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

At night, on Nov. 1, 2018, a test version of the Orion capsule is pulled into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT) in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

At night, on Nov. 1, 2018, a test version of the Orion capsule is pulled into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT) in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Access and Handling Engineer Pete Reutt, with Jacobs on the NASA Recovery Team, inspects the pony collar on a test version of the Orion capsule in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha before a night deployment during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 3, 2018. URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

U.S. Navy divers push off from the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha to practice recovery of the Orion crew capsule in the open water as part of Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team and U.S. Navy are performing to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The NASA and DoD Recovery Team aboard the USS John P. Murtha for the Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9).

The NASA and DoD Recovery Team aboard the USS John P. Murtha for the Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9).

The Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Recovery Team checks out the test version of the Orion capsule before releasing it into the open water of the Pacific Ocean during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018, on the USS John P. Murtha. There are two large, orange mockup uprighting bags in this view, but when Orion actually splashes down there will be five. The test is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The test version of the Orion capsule is about to be released into the open water as part of Underway Recovery Test-7, aboard the USS. John P. Murtha, on Nov. 1, 2018. During recovery operations, future astronauts aboard Orion will have the choice to stay in the capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a U.S. Navy ship, or be pulled out immediately and put on the "front porch" until taken by small boat back to the ship. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The test version of the Orion capsule is about to be released into the open water as part of Underway Recovery Test-7, aboard the USS. John P. Murtha, on Nov. 1, 2018. During recovery operations, future astronauts aboard Orion will have the choice to stay in the capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a U.S. Navy ship, or be pulled out immediately and put on the "front porch" until taken by small boat back to the ship. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Open Water Recovery Lead Tim Goddard attaches lights to the top of the test version of the Orion capsule used during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 3, 2018. Goddard is the hardware expert in the open water and assists dive teams in the Pacific Ocean as they practice recovering the capsule during day and nighttime conditions. URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Open Water Recovery Lead Tim Goddard attaches lights to the top of the test version of the Orion capsule used during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 3, 2018. Goddard is the hardware expert in the open water and assists dive teams in the Pacific Ocean as they practice recovering the capsule during day and nighttime conditions. URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The test version of the Orion capsule is about to be released into the open water as part of Underway Recovery Test-7, aboard the USS. John P. Murtha, on Nov. 1, 2018. During recovery operations, future astronauts aboard Orion will have the choice to stay in the capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a U.S. Navy ship, or be pulled out immediately and put on the "front porch" until taken by small boat back to the ship. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Apollo-era recovery engineer Milt Heflin, left, and NASA's Landing and Recovery Director Melissa Jones take time out from Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) to pose in front of a test version of the Orion capsule in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 3, 2018. The capsule is being used during testing. URT-7 is one in a series conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Recovery Team checks out the test version of the Orion capsule before releasing it into the open water of the Pacific Ocean during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018, on the USS John P. Murtha. There are two large, orange mockup uprighting bags in this view, but when Orion actually splashes down there will be five. The test is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Recovery Team checks out the test version of the Orion capsule before releasing it into the open water of the Pacific Ocean during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018, on the USS John P. Murtha. There are two large, orange mockup uprighting bags in this view, but when Orion actually splashes down there will be five. The test is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

NASA Recovery Team members watch as a test version of the Orion capsule is pulled into the flooded well deck of the USS John P. Murtha, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Oct. 30, 2018. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

NASA Recovery Team members with Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and the U.S. Navy prepare for Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Oct. 30, 2018, in the well deck of the USS John P Murtha. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the EGS Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) begins with preparing the tending lines to release the mock Orion capsule out of the back of the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

NASA’s Air Operations Co-Lead Don Reed briefs the air ops team during Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

While onboard the USS John P. Murtha, NASA and the Department of Defense practice Artemis II recovery operations with the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in July of 2023. The CMTA is a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft and is used to verify the recovery team is ready to support crew recovery after missions to the Moon.

During Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9), NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team practices bringing a mock Orion capsule into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26 The team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

While onboard the USS John P. Murtha, NASA and the Department of Defense practice Artemis II recovery operations with the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in July of 2023. The CMTA is a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft and is used to verify the recovery team is ready to support crew recovery after missions to the Moon.

Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) put NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team through its paces as they practiced recovering a mock Orion capsule into the back of the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

While onboard the USS John P. Murtha, NASA and the Department of Defense practice Artemis II recovery operations with the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in July of 2023. The CMTA is a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft and is used to verify the recovery team is ready to support crew recovery after missions to the Moon.

Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” fly over USS John P Murtha with an American flag after completing flight operations during an Artemis II mission simulation during NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 off the coast of San Diego.

While onboard the USS John P. Murtha, NASA and the Department of Defense practice Artemis II recovery operations with the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in July of 2023. The CMTA is a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft and is used to verify the recovery team is ready to support crew recovery after missions to the Moon.

NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team secures a mock Orion capsule during the last exercise of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

During Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9), NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team monitors Day 1 testing aboard the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). The team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

NASA’s Air Operations Co-Lead Don Reed briefs the air ops team during Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) put NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team through its paces as they practiced recovering a mock Orion capsule into the back of the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Operation Project Engineers Alex Bengoa and Vanessa Stroh review data during day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” fly over USS John P Murtha with an American flag after completing flight operations during an Artemis II mission simulation during NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 off the coast of San Diego.

NASA Test Director (NTD) Christine St. Germain consults with fellow NTD Paul Sierpinski on day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense stand on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego. URT-10 is the tenth in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1, attach tending lines to a mock Orion capsule during Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1, attach tending lines to a mock Orion capsule during Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Small boats deployed from amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) motor toward a smoke marker released by an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to indicate the location of a mock Orion capsule during Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9). During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team conducted a full mission profile simulation to certify the team for Artemis I.

Navy Divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1, sailors from USS John P Murtha and NASA Open Water Lead, Tim Goddard, work to deflate Artemis recovery equipment after a simulated Artemis recovery operation as part of NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10. The team will use these inflatables as a platform for astronauts as they exit the Orion spacecraft after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense stand on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego. URT-10 is the tenth in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense stand on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego. URT-10 is the tenth in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense stand on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego. URT-10 is the tenth in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

Four Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” pose for a photo in the Pacific Ocean as they prepare to participate in an Artemis II recovery test as part of NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10. During recovery practice, these four pilots acted as Artemis II astronauts and were placed inside the Orion Crew Module Test Article, recovered from the capsule onto an inflatable “front porch” and then lifted via helicopter back to the flight deck of USS John P Murtha.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1, practice recovering a mock Orion capsule during Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 prepare to enter the Pacific Ocean from the well deck of USS John P Murtha as part of NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10). The divers are trained in open water and small boat procedures and will be the team to help Artemis astronauts exit the Orion spacecraft and make it safely to the recovery ship after splashdown.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense stand on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego. URT-10 is the tenth in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1, attach tending lines to a mock Orion capsule during Day 2 of Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class Kanon Brooks, assigned to the “Wild Cards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, prepares to drop a smoke canister from an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter near a mock Orion capsule to indicate the spacecraft’s location. During Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9) aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team conducted a full mission profile simulation to certify the team for Artemis I.

NASA, Navy, and Air Force personnel practice Artemis recovery procedures in the Pacific Ocean as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego. In this photo, Navy divers are seen surrounding the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) and preparing to recover it inside the recovery ship while simulated astronauts are picked up on an inflatable “front porch” by Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” and flown back to the USS John P. Murtha.

A sailor with the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) throws a tending line to a Navy diver assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit (ESU) One during Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9). The diver will attach the line to a mock Orion capsule so it can be brought into the well deck of the ship. During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

NASA Landing and Recovery Director Melissa Jones points out recovery operations to Capt. Gervy Alota, commanding officer, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), during Underway Recovery Test 9 (URT-9). During the weeklong test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team is performing their final mission certification ahead of Artemis I.

Astronaut Michael Barratt observes Underway Recovery Test-8 aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team practiced bringing Orion into the well deck of the ship to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Astronaut Jessica Watkins observes Underway Recovery Test-8 aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team practiced bringing Orion into the well deck of the ship to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Astronaut Michael Barratt observes Underway Recovery Test-8 aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team practiced bringing Orion into the well deck of the ship to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Four Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” pose for a photo in the Pacific Ocean as they prepare to participate in an Artemis II recovery test as part of NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10). During recovery practice, these four pilots acted as Artemis II astronauts and were placed inside the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) recovered from the capsule onto an inflatable “front porch” and then lifted via helicopter back to the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha.

The Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) is seen in the waters of the Pacific Ocean during NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10). The CMTA is a full-scale mockup of the Orion Spacecraft and is used by NASA and its Department of Defense partners to practice recovery procedures for crewed Artemis missions. URT-10 is the first test specifically in support of the Artemis II mission and allowed the team to practice what it will be like to recover astronauts and get them back to the recovery ship safely. In this photo Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 secure the CMTA and prepare it to be recovered back inside USS John P Murtha.

The Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) is seen in the waters of the Pacific Ocean during NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10). The CMTA is a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft and is used by NASA and its Department of Defense partners to practice recovery procedures for crewed Artemis missions. URT-10 is the first test specifically in support of the Artemis II mission and allowed the team to practice what it will be like to recover astronauts and get them back to the recovery ship safely. In this photo, Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 secure the CMTA and prepare it to be recovered back inside USS John P. Murtha.

Sarah Manning, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is part of a team that operates “Sasquatch,” an important software tool created specifically for the agency’s Orion spacecraft. Sasquatch will be used to predict large footprints of the various debris that will be released from Orion before splashdown into the Pacific Ocean. The Landing and Recovery team, based out of Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will be aboard a Navy ship, ready to retrieve Orion and some of the intentionally released debris.

Senior Airman Kyle Boyes of the U.S. Air Force’s 45th Weather Squadron out of Patrick Air Force Base in Florida releases a weather balloon during Underway Recovery Test-8 in the Pacific Ocean in March 2020. Winds data gathered from weather balloons will help inform the course of the U.S. Navy ship carrying NASA’s Landing and Recovery team based out of Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center, as it heads to where Orion will splash down following Artemis missions.

Astronauts Jessica Watkins and Michael Barratt observe Underway Recovery Test-8 aboard the USS John P. Murtha. During the test, NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team practiced bringing Orion into the well deck of the ship to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

During Underway Recovery Test-8, Navy Seaman Daniel Ricci helps manage the lines to help control a test version of the Orion spacecraft as it is brought into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). During this first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team, along with Navy sailors from the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) practice bringing in a test version of Orion during Underway Recovery Test-8 off the coast of California. During the test, the team practiced to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team, along with Navy sailors from the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and divers from EOD Mobile Unit 3, MDS Company 3-1, approach a test version of Orion during Underway Recovery Test-8 off the coast of California. During the test, the team practiced to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

During Underway Recovery Test-8, Navy Seaman Daniel Ricci helps manage the lines to help control a test version of the Orion spacecraft as it is brought into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). During this first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives.

During Underway Recovery Test-8, Navy Seaman Daniel Ricci helps manage the lines to help control a test version of the Orion spacecraft as it is brought into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). During this first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team, along with Navy sailors from the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and divers from EOD Mobile Unit 3, MDS Company 3-1, attach tending lines a test version of Orion during Underway Recovery Test-8 off the coast of California. During the test, the team practiced to ensure recovery procedure timelines are validated as NASA plans to send Artemis I around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

During Underway Recovery Test-8, Navy Seaman Daniel Ricci helps manage the lines to help control a test version of the Orion spacecraft as it is brought into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). During this first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives.

During Underway Recovery Test-8, Navy Seaman Daniel Ricci helps manage the lines to help control a test version of the Orion spacecraft as it is brought into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). During this first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives.

During the first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives. The team works with members of the DoD to hone their procedures before Orion splashes down in the Pacific as part of NASA’s Artemis program. During Underway Recovery Test-8, two divers from EOD Mobile Unit 3, MDS Company 3-1work the tending line while a test version of Orion is being pulled into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha.

During Underway Recovery Test-8, NASA's Landing and Recovery team from Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center performed their first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I aboard the USS John P. Murtha in the Pacific Ocean. Artemis I will be the first integrated flight test of NASA's Deep Space Exploration Systems: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System rocket, with the newly upgraded Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center.

During the first full mission profile test of the recovery procedures for Artemis I, NASA’s Landing and Recovery team met their objectives. The team works with members of the DoD to hone their procedures before Orion splashes down in the Pacific as part of NASA’s Artemis program. During Underway Recovery Test-8, two divers from EOD Mobile Unit 3, MDS Company 3-1 work the tending line while a test version of Orion is being pulled into the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha.

The USS John P. Murtha and a test version of the Orion capsule are in view at sunset on Nov. 1, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

At sunset, a test version of the Orion capsule floats in the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 1, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7). Nearby is the USS John P. Murtha. Orion will be towed into the ship's well deck. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The USS John P. Murtha is in view at sunset on Nov. 1, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

The USS John P. Murtha and a test version of the Orion capsule are in view at sunset on Nov. 1, 2018, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Tracy Parks, Recovery Operations integrator with Jacobs, reviews procedures during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), aboard the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 4, 2018. NASA's Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, practice recovering a test version of the Orion capsule as part of URT-7 in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

NASA and U.S. Navy recovery team members go over procedures for bringing an astronaut aboard, using a dummy, during Underway Recovery Test 7 aboard the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 5, 2018. The Recovery Team is practicing recovery of the Orion capsule as part of URT-7 in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Johnny Bryant, communications officer, speaks with team members in the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 4, 2018. NASA's Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are practicing recovery of a test version of the Orion in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Wave trackers with Applied Physical Sciences monitor ocean wave conditions during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) aboard the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 4, 2018. NASA's Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, practice recovering a test version of the Orion capsule as part of URT-7 in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

NASA Recovery Team members and wave trackers monitor recovery of a test version of the Orion crew module inside the USS John P. Murtha, during Underway Recovery Test (URT-7) on Nov. 4 2018. URT-7 is one in a series of tests conducted by the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Stacey Provin, operations project engineer with NASA, reviews procedures during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), aboard the USS John P. Murtha on Nov. 4, 2018. NASA's Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, practice recovering a test version of the Orion capsule as part of URT-7 in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

U.S. Navy recovery team members practice bringing an astronaut aboard the USS John P. Murtha, using a dummy, during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 5, 2018. NASA's Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are practicing recovery of a test version of the Orion in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Underway Recovery Test 7 (URT-7) - Day 3 Activities - Photos of Melissa Jones

Underway Recovery Test 7 (URT-7) - Day 3 Activities - Photos of Carla Koch

U.S. Navy divers carry the inflatable "front porch" to a small boat during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Nov. 1, 2018. During recovery operations, future astronauts will have the choice to stay in the Orion capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a U.S. Navy ship, or be pulled out immediately on the front porch until taken by small boat back to the ship. The Exploration Ground Systems recovery team and the U.S. Navy are working together to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

During Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), U.S. Navy divers practice attaching the "front porch" on a test version of the Orion capsule. During recovery operations, future astronauts aboard Orion will have the choice to stay in the capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a Navy ship, or be pulled out immediately and put on the front porch until taken by small boat back to the ship. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.