Why Americans Land Spacecraft in Oceans, Russians on Solid Ground

On April 10, the Orion spacecraft from NASA’s Artemis II mission landed in the ocean near San Diego. The ocean is difficult for landings. Waves and sinking can cause problems. It costs a lot to rescue astronauts from the sea. If the spacecraft landed on land, trucks could pick them up easily.

NASA uses ocean landings because they are safer. When spacecraft return to Earth, they come fast. Orion hit a speed of Mach 35. Slowing down for a soft landing is hard. Parachutes help, but the spacecraft still moves fast when it hits the water.

Landing in the ocean is better for safety. If the landing is not perfect, there is less risk in the sea than on land. Land has mountains and cities, which can be dangerous. Russian spacecraft, like Soyuz, land on land. They slow down using rockets just before landing.

American companies are trying to land on land too. Boeing’s Starliner will use air-filled bags to land softly. They hope to land in different areas across the U.S. In September 2024, a Starliner safely landed in New Mexico after a test flight.

How much do you know?

What mission was the Orion spacecraft part of when it landed near San Diego?

Apollo 11

Artemis II

Gemini 5

Challenger

What speed did Orion hit during its return to Earth?

Mach 10

Mach 20

Mach 35

Mach 45

Why does NASA prefer ocean landings?

It's cheaper

It's easier to rescue astronauts

It's less risky than land

It allows for faster transport

What type of landing technology is Boeing’s Starliner planning to use?

Rockets

Parachutes

Air-filled bags

Wings

Where did the Starliner land safely after a test flight?

California

Florida

Texas

New Mexico

Which country’s spacecraft, the Soyuz, lands on land?

Japan

USA

Russia

China

The Orion spacecraft landed on land near San Diego.

True False

Parachutes help slow down the spacecraft during landing.

True False

Landing in the ocean poses more risks than landing on land.

True False

American companies are only focusing on ocean landings.

True False

Orion's landing speed was faster than Mach 30.

True False

Boeing's Starliner has successfully landed in multiple areas across the U.S. already.

True False

The Orion spacecraft from NASA's Artemis II mission landed in the ocean near .

If the spacecraft landed on land, could pick them up easily.

Landing in the ocean is better for .

Russian spacecraft, like Soyuz, land on .

In September 2024, a Starliner safely landed in after a test flight.

NASA uses ocean landings because they are .

This question is required