SAN DIEGO -- As NASA prepares for Artemis II, a mission poised to propel astronauts further into space than ever before, Air Forces Space and First Air Force, Detachment 3 (1AF/Det3), stand ready to ensure their safe return. Building upon a six-decade legacy of partnership with NASA, the Department of Defense (DoD), with Det. 3 at the helm, is leveraging its vast resources and expertise to orchestrate a flawless recovery operation.
Central to this effort is U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and its Human Space Flight Support Operations (HSFSO), which oversees the intricate process of recovering astronauts and spacecraft. This includes coordinating global search and rescue efforts, deploying recovery assets, and establishing vital communication links.
"The Defense Department has a longstanding partnership with NASA, supporting human spaceflight programs from Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo to the Space Shuttle and International Space Station," said Air Force Lt. Col. Dave Mahan, First Air Force, Detachment 3, commander. "That collaboration, vital to those iconic successes, is now proving critical for the Artemis missions."
During Artemis II, the Orion spacecraft, traveling from nearly 25,000 miles per hour to about 325 miles per hour, will endure a fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Orchestrating a safe return after these critical phases requires careful coordination and precise execution. Detachment 3, leveraging its extensive experience, leads the planning and execution of the recovery mission, working closely with NASA, the U.S. Navy, and international partners. This collaborative effort ensures a safe and successful return for the Artemis astronauts and involves positioning Navy ships, outfitted with helicopters and small boats, that will converge on the splashdown zone. Specialized medical teams, ready to provide immediate care to the returning astronauts, will also be standing by. This aspect of the mission is overseen by the Artemis Recovery and Trauma Expeditionary (ARTE) Medical Team, a highly specialized group comprised of experts from the Air Force, Navy, NASA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
"Our primary focus is ensuring the safest possible transition back to Earth for our astronauts,” said Dr. Kristin Silvia, the Deputy Chief of Bioastronautics at 1AF/Det 3 and an instrumental figure in establishing the ARTE team. “We accomplish that by preparing the ARTE Medical Team, through rehearsals and simulations, for nominal or “normal” landings to medical contingencies. From the initial assessment and stabilization inside the capsule to the comprehensive care provided aboard the ship, we are fully prepared to address any medical issues," Dr. Silvia notes, underscoring the team's commitment to handling the unique challenges of spaceflight recovery.
Mahan emphasized the critical role of the medical team, stating, "Their specialized training and unwavering commitment are essential to the success of our astronaut recovery operations. Their expertise ensures NASA and the DoD are ready to provide immediate and comprehensive medical care to returning astronauts, safeguarding their health as they transition back to Earth."
Preparing for these complex operations requires extensive training and practice. URT-12, the most recent Underway Recovery Test, offered a vital opportunity to put these plans into action and refine procedures.
"URT-12 provided another invaluable opportunity to put our training into practice and refine our procedures for the critical task of recovering astronauts after a lunar mission," said Air Force Col. Jason Gingrich, Air Forces Space deputy commander. "The dedication and collaboration demonstrated by all participants highlights our collective commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our astronauts as we venture further into the cosmos."
As the DoD continues to work alongside its allies and partners to promote the safe and responsible expansion of human presence in space, the success of Artemis II will pave the way for a new era of human exploration, ultimately enabling humanity to reach Mars. Air Forces Space and Det. 3 will remain steadfast in their commitment to orchestrating the safe return of those who dare to venture beyond the bounds of Earth.
ABOUT AFSPACE: Air Forces Space (AFSPACE), headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, is the air component of U.S. Space Command. It is tasked with integrating air component resources into space and information operations. AFSPACE also ensures Department of Defense personnel are properly prepared and equipped to execute the rescue, recovery, and retrieval of NASA-sponsored astronauts and equipment.