09 | Artemis Explained: Next stop, Earth

This final episode of 'Artemis Explained' captures the emotional and technical crescendo of the Artemis II mission as the crew prepares for re-entry and splashdown. Hosts Jacinta Bowler and Belinda Smith reflect on the mission's milestones, from the poignant tribute of naming a moon crater after Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife Carol, to the daily challenges of life in the cramped Orion capsule. The episode delves into critical re-entry mechanics—highlighting the spacecraft's acceleration to 10 km/s, the extreme heat of 2,760°C on the capsule's surface, and the 11 parachutes designed to slow the descent. The astronauts face physical demands, including up to 7.5 G-forces, but their experience as elite pilots and previous space travelers gives confidence in their ability to endure. The crew also grapples with practical issues like a full waste tank causing 'yellow snow' venting problems and the ongoing challenge of radiation protection, which was partially tested through airflow simulations in the stowage lockers. Listener questions add charm and depth, exploring everything from spacecraft color choices and astronaut suit visibility to the physics of orbital speed and comms audio quality. The episode closes with a heartfelt nod to the mission’s legacy and the team’s gratitude for the support of Indigenous lands and listeners.