Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?

The Artemis II mission crew talked to media, their families and even President Donald Trump from space [NASA]

The Artemis II crew has safely returned home after re-entering Earth's atmosphere at a speed of 25,000 mph (40,000 km/h), landing in the ocean off the coast of California.

They have ventured farther into space than any humans before them, surpassing the previous record of 248,655 miles set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by just over 4,000 miles.

Astronauts undergo extensive training to handle the physical and mental demands of space travel.

Despite the challenges, astronauts describe their time in space as the pinnacle of their lives and express a willingness to return immediately.

During a press conference before landing, Christina Koch mentioned that the inconveniences, such as eating freeze-dried food or using a toilet with limited privacy, were worthwhile.

NASA does not disclose details about the crew members' health or personal lives, but here's what is likely to happen to Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen now that they have returned.

Artemis crew used eclipse viewers to observe a solar eclipse during the lunar fly-by [NASA]

They'll be seen by doctors right away

Upon arrival, they will be promptly examined by doctors on the US warship dispatched to retrieve them. They will then be transported ashore by helicopter and subsequently flown to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Spending time in space will have been physically demanding for the Artemis II crew.

Without gravity, muscle and bone mass decrease in space. The most affected muscles are those responsible for maintaining posture in the back, neck, and calves.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight before the Artemis II splashdown in the Pacific, former UK astronaut Tim Peake described the gravity pull as "quite punishing."

"Initially, it will feel like a gentle push on your back, but it will gradually intensify," he said.

"Anyone who has been on a rollercoaster might have experienced 4G, but probably for less than a second, so feeling it for several minutes is quite punishing."

Astronauts have strict exercise regimens, but it can't prevent all muscle loss.

In just two weeks, muscle mass can decrease by up to 20%.

However, remember that about 700 people have been to space before, including low Earth orbit. The time the Artemis II crew spent there will be among the shortest.

During the space shuttle era from 1981 to 2011, astronauts spent two to three weeks in space. A typical stay on the International Space Station now lasts five to six months.

Therefore, the health impacts on the Artemis II astronauts are likely to be minimal compared to their predecessors.

NASA

Don't expect 'space come-downs'

And what's it like to return to Earth after being in space?

Astronauts are level-headed by temperament and training, so don't expect revelations of any "space come-downs".

Koch has already said she will miss the "teamwork and camaraderie" and the "common sense of purpose on the mission".

Many astronauts talk about a profound appreciation of the uniqueness of Earth and that all humans share the planet together.

Seeing our planet surrounded by the blackness of space "truly emphasised how alike we are, how the same thing keeps every single person on planet Earth alive," Koch said from space.

Most astronauts, including the first British astronaut Helen Sharman, have described how they don't want to come home because the work in space is so exciting.

Reunited with their families

The Artemis crew will of course be excited to be reunited with their families.

Commander Reid Wiseman, who lost his wife to cancer in 2020 and has raised their two teenage daughters alone, talked to them before the mission about what would happen if he died and showed them where his will was kept.

Splashdown was a dangerous moment for the crew, so the families will be delighted to see them home safe.

Dr Catherine Hansen, who is married to astronaut Jeremy Hansen, told BBC World Service's Newsday programme that their two daughters and son were "so, so excited to see their dad living his dream".

"We certainly will have a celebration... When Jeremy is back safely, we will absolutely come together. First just the five of us in a quiet environment to hear some of those private stories, and then we will absolutely celebrate with the world," she said.

Though "being an ambassador for space" is part of the job of being an astronaut, Tim Peake told the BBC he didn't think the team would "quite appreciate just how many people have been captivated by this mission".

"There'll certainly be a period of adjustment," he said. "Yes they'll want to see their friends and family straight away but I tell you the scientific community will want them first."

"Their time will be split between work and a little bit of family time too."

• In pictures: Artemis II crew witness 'Earthset' and a solar eclipse

• Artemis II: Inside Nasa's mission to take humans back to the Moon

• Has Artemis II shown we can land on the Moon again?

The Moon backlit by the Sun during a solar eclipse, photographed by NASA's Orion spacecraft [NASA]

A Visit to the White House

Nasa has not disclosed what the astronauts will do upon their return to Earth.

The three Nasa astronauts remain on the agency's roster. More Artemis missions are planned: Artemis III is scheduled for 2027 and Artemis IV for 2028.

That will be the significant mission, aiming to land humans on the Moon again, though the timeline might change.

The participants for these missions are yet to be determined. All Nasa astronauts, including the four on Artemis II, are potential candidates.

However, a major event is anticipated.

US President Donald Trump, who initiated the Artemis program in 2017 during his first term, contacted the crew in space to invite them to the White House for a reception in the Oval Office.

"I'll ask for your autograph, because I don't really ask for autographs much, but you deserve that," he said to them.

He pledged to give them "a big salute on behalf of the American people and beyond that".

It is uncertain if Hansen, who is Canadian, will attend the visit.

After the Moon mission, the most significant change these astronauts might experience is fame.

Unlike many recent astronauts, these four have captured the imagination of millions.

Continuous news coverage and viral memes mean they are returning to Earth much more famous than when they left, which will likely require some adjustment.

• First stop, the Moon. Next stop, Mars? Why Nasa's mission matters

• The personal items the Artemis II crew took to the Moon