CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher was at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego as more than a thousand people — kids and adults — watched live coverage of the Artemis II crew’s splashdown, which took place less than 100 miles from the city. Spectators cheered, clapped and shouted as the capsule came down and recovery boats worked in choppy waters designed for the operation.
People exiting the center gave one-word reactions including “amazing,” “awesome,” “historic” and “inspiring.” One woman said “harmony,” explaining that the event briefly united people regardless of differences. NASA officials were repeatedly praised for “precision” during the recovery, and many attendees noted how smoothly the operation proceeded; one child quipped it was “boring” because it went off so perfectly.
Ochacher described recovery boats built for rough seas and noted that crew members will be hoisted into a helicopter and go through medical and reconditioning steps as they re-acclimate to Earth. Viewers at the science center and around the region celebrated the successful splashdown and expressed relief and excitement that the crew had returned safely.