The Orion capsule, nicknamed Integrity, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, concluding the Artemis II mission, as reported by CBC News during its live coverage. The re-entry was described as “managed risk but picture perfect” by CBC commentators.

This mission marked the first time a Canadian astronaut has travelled to deep space, with Jeremy Hansen as part of the four-person crew. The astronauts endured intense g-forces – three to four times their weight – and extreme heat during re-entry, with temperatures blocking radio communications for six minutes.

According to CBC’s Paul Hunter, the crew’s photographs of the far side of the moon were “jaw-dropping.” Hunter also highlighted the symbolism of the Canadian and American flags displayed on board the spacecraft, stating it represented “an international experience” and “the future.”

A particularly emotional moment during the mission, as reported by CBC, occurred when astronaut Jeremy Hansen mentioned the name of Reed Wiseman’s late wife, Carol, suggesting a lunar crater be named in her honour. Hunter described the reaction to this as deeply moving, noting that many, including himself, were moved to tears.

Following the splashdown, the crew underwent medical checks and will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center before reuniting with their families.

CBC News also reported on future Artemis missions, with NASA planning Artemis 3 to test moon lander docking next year and Artemis 4, aiming for a return to the moon’s surface in early 2028. Plans for Artemis 5 include the beginning of construction of a lunar base.

Beyond the space mission, CBC News also covered ongoing international developments, including peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan, and the continuing conflict in Gaza, reporting on the dire humanitarian situation there.