Artemis II splashdown brings cheers at Southern California watch parties

Crowds in San Diego and Downey gathered at museums and watch parties to see the Artemis II Orion capsule parachute into the Pacific about 50 miles off San Diego at 5:07 p.m., with attendees cheering as the capsule bobbed in the water awaiting crew retrieval.

In San Diego and Downey, space enthusiasts packed watch party rooms to watch the return of the Artemis II astronauts. They gathered at venues including the San Diego Air and Space Museum and the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey. The Orion capsule parachuted into the Pacific about 50 miles off the San Diego coast at 5:07 p.m., and attendees reacted with cheering and chants. Some guests compared the moment to Apollo 11 and said the event could inspire young people. Key details: - Watch parties were held in San Diego and Downey, including the San Diego Air and Space Museum and the Columbia Memorial Space Center. - The Orion capsule carrying four crew parachuted into ocean waters about 50 miles off the San Diego coast at 5:07 p.m. - Lines formed outside the San Diego Air and Space Museum ahead of the splashdown, and many attendees remained glued to screens afterward as the capsule bobbed in the water awaiting crew members. - Attendees broke into chants and described the moment as historic; a museum official called it "the party of a lifetime." - Some observers recalled watching Apollo 11 and said the return could help stimulate interest in space among young people. - Hundreds more enthusiasts were still waiting to enter the museum after the splashdown. Summary: The public reaction highlighted strong local interest in the Artemis II return, with watch parties filling rooms and attendees celebrating the splashdown. The capsule remained in the water awaiting crew retrieval as recovery teams worked, and further procedural developments were undetermined at this time.