Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 practice contingency recovery procedures with a manikin and the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 work to secure the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) in the Pacific Ocean 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 in addition to preparing the spacecraft to be transported back inside the recovery ship.

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.

NASA, Navy, and Air Force personnel practice Artemis recovery procedures in the Pacific Ocean as part of Underway Recovery Test-10 off the coast of San Diego. In this photo Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” lift a pilot in a basket from an inflatable “front porch” that allows astronauts to be recovered out of the Orion spacecraft. Navy Divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 are the first to reach the spacecraft after splashdown and will assist the astronauts in getting inside the helicopter baskets prior to be flown back to the recovery ship.

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.

Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” escort a pilot acting as an Artemis II astronaut on the ships flight deck during an Artemis II mission recovery simulation as part of NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 off the coast of San Diego. HSC-23 will be responsible for flying the Artemis II crew from the Orion spacecraft to the recovery vessel once they splash down after a 10-day mission around the Moon.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team load a mannequin into the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) during Underway Recovery Test 10 in the Pacific Ocean. The CMTA is a 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. The team uses the mannequin to practice recovering astronauts out of the capsule and safely getting them to the recovery vessel nearby.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on Aug. 1, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on July 31, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked 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, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on July 31, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked 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, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on July 31, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

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.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on Aug. 1, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked 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, 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, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on Aug. 1, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked 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.

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 entering the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) and assisting a simulated crew member exiting the spacecraft to practice recovering astronauts out of the spacecraft and onto an inflatable “front porch” where the crew will be picked up with helicopters and lifted up via helicopter back to the recovery vessel.

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, Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” lift a pilot in a basket from an inflatable “front porch” that allows astronauts to be recovered out of the Orion spacecraft. Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 are the first to reach the spacecraft after splashdown and will assist the astronauts in getting inside the helicopter baskets prior to be flown back to the recovery ship.

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.

NASA, Navy, and Air Force personnel practice Artemis recovery procedures in the Pacific Ocean as part of Underway Recovery Test-10 off the coast of San Diego. In this photo Navy divers are seen entering the Orion Crew Module Test Article to prepare to practice recovering astronauts out of the spacecraft and onto an inflatable “front porch” where the crew will be picked up with helicopters and lifted up via helicopter back to the recovery vessel.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on Aug. 1, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” fly over the Orion Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) with American flags after completing flight operations during an Artemis II mission simulation during NASA’s Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego.

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.

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.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on Aug. 1, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team, along with partners from the Department of Defense, practice Artemis recovery procedures as part of Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) off the coast of San Diego on July 31, 2023. The event involved the use of the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full-scale mockup of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. URT-10 is the 10th in a series of Artemis recovery tests, but marked the first time NASA and its partners from the Department of Defense put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test.

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.

Members of NASA’s Landing and Recovery team load a mannequin into the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) during Underway Recovery Test 10 in the Pacific Ocean. The CMTA is a 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. The team uses the mannequin to practice recovering astronauts out of the capsule and safely getting them to the recovery vessel nearby.

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.

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.

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.

NASA, Navy, and Air Force personnel practice Artemis recovery procedures in the Pacific Ocean as part of Underway Recovery Test-10 off the coast of San Diego. In this photo Navy divers are seen entering the Orion Crew Module Test Article to prepare to practice recovering astronauts out of the spacecraft and onto an inflatable “front porch” where the crew will be picked up with helicopters and lifted up via helicopter back to the recovery vessel.

Tim Goddard, center, NASA Open Water Recovery Operations director, reviews recovery procedures with U.S. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers during training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The group is practicing Orion underway recovery techniques using a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

Tim Goddard, NASA Open Water Recovery Operations director, briefs U.S. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers during training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The group is preparing to practice Orion underway recovery techniques using a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

Tim Goddard, far right, NASA Open Water Recovery Operations director, briefs U.S. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers during training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The group is preparing to practice Orion underway recovery techniques using a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

Tim Goddard, center, NASA Open Water Recovery Operations director, briefs U.S. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers during training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The group will practice Orion underway recovery techniques using a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

Jeremy Parr participates in the training of new Landing and Recovery team members during Underway Recovery Test-8. NASA is preparing for an Orion splashdown in the Pacific Ocean after Artemis I.

U.S. Navy divers are training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers practice Orion underway recovery techniques using a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

U.S. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers practice Orion recovery techniques at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The recovery team is practicing underway recovery techniques using a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

NASA astronaut Dan Burbank speaks to a group of U.S. Navy divers at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Navy divers, Air Force pararescuemen and Coast Guard rescue swimmers are preparing to practice Orion underway recovery techniques with a test version of the Orion spacecraft. Training will help the team prepare for Underway Recovery Test 5 for Exploration Mission 1 aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in October. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, along with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin, are preparing the recovery team, hardware and operations to support EM-1 recovery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Navy MH-60 Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 is seen as it lifts a training manikin as teams practice Artemis recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test-12 onboard USS Somerset off the coast of California, Thursday, March 27, 2025. During the test, NASA and Department of Defense teams are practicing to ensure recovery procedures are validated as NASA plans to send the Artemis II astronauts around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky) 1st lift

Signatures of astronauts who have participated in Artemis recovery training are seen on a panel inside the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) during Underway Recovery Test-12 onboard USS Somerset off the coast of California, Saturday, March 29, 2025. During the test, NASA and Department of Defense teams are practicing to ensure recovery procedures are validated as NASA plans to send the Artemis II astronauts around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA’s Artemis II crew members (left to right) NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen finish suiting up in the well deck of the USS San Diego as NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the ship practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

During Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11), conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego, Naval helicopter pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 “Wildcards” lift Artemis II crew members in a basket from an inflatable “front porch” that allows astronauts to be recovered out of a mockup of the Orion spacecraft off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA’s Artemis II crew members (front to back) NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen descend the well deck of the USS San Diego as NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the ship practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego participate in a ship rider briefing on the flight deck prior to departure from Naval Base San Diego on Feb. 21. During this test campaign, teams will practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego. URT-11 is the eleventh 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 with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team aboard the USS San Diego pose in front of a mockup of the Orion spacecraft during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego monitor operations of the day in the ship’s well deck and practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article with NASA Astronaut Candidate Chris Birch; Jenni Gibbons, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut; and two members of the United States Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS San Diego pose in front of a mockup of the Orion spacecraft during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego recover the Crew Module Test Article into the ship’s well deck while practicing recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego monitor operations of the day in the ship’s well deck and practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

During sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego monitor operations of the day in the ship’s well deck and practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego secure the Crew Module Test Article on its stand in the ship’s well deck while practicing recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

During sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego release a weather balloon while practicing recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team aboard the USS San Diego pose in front of a mockup of the Orion spacecraft during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. The team works to secure the Crew Module Test Article and align it on its stand inside the ship’s well deck. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

During sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego release a weather balloon while practicing recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA Artemis II crew members are assisted by U.S. Navy personnel as they exit a mockup of the Orion spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) on Feb. 25, 2024, while his crewmates look on. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA’s Artemis II crew members ride in inflatable boats while NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego monitor operations of the day in the ship’s well deck and practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article with NASA Astronaut Candidate Chris Birch; Jenni Gibbons, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut; and two members of the United States Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA’s Artemis II crew members are assisted by U.S. Navy personnel as they exit a mockup of the Orion spacecraft onto an inflatable “front porch” while NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego secure the Crew Module Test Article on its stand in the ship’s well deck while practicing recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA’s Artemis II crew member Victor Glover and U.S. Navy personnel smile and talk following practice procedures aboard the USS San Diego during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. The team works to secure the Crew Module Test Article and align it on its stand inside the ship’s well deck. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

NASA Artemis Landing and Recovery Deputy Director Lisa Seiler (left) and NASA Artemis II Landing and Recovery Director Liliana Villarreal (right), along with members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego participate in a ship rider briefing on the flight deck prior to departure from Naval Base San Diego on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. During this test campaign, teams will practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego. URT-11 is the eleventh 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 with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. The team works to secure the Crew Module Test Article and align it on its stand inside the ship’s well deck. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practice recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article with NASA Astronaut Candidate Chris Birch; Jenni Gibbons, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut; and two members of the United States Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.

Artemis II crew member NASA astronaut Victor Glover joins NASA’s Exploration Ground System’s Landing and Recovery team and partners from the Department of Defense aboard the USS San Diego practicing recovery procedures using the Crew Module Test Article, during Underway Recovery Test 11 (URT-11) off the coast of San Diego, California on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. URT-11 is the eleventh in a series of Artemis recovery tests, and the first time NASA and its partners put their Artemis II recovery procedures to the test with the astronauts.