David Muir was back hosting ABC World News Tonight on Monday and viewers became emotional as he shared a big update following his weekend break from the program
David Muir viewers shared their congratulations(Image: ABC News/Youtube)
David Muir viewers were emotional as he reported on the safe return of the Artemis II crew.
The astronauts have returned home after re-entering Earth’s atmosphere at 25,000mph and splashing down off the coast of California. Muir, 52, shared the news on ABC World News Tonight on Monday, April 13, as he returned to the show after a weekend away.
“Tonight, America Strong, nearly 10 million of you watched it with us. A home coming well-earned,” Muir began before he handed over to ABC correspondent Gio Benitez for more. Benitez gave fans an update on what’s next for the Artemis II crew after their historic splashdown.
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Benitez told viewers, “We were live on the air for the re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.” A clip played from an earlier show during which Muir said, “Four heroes almost here. The crew of Artemis II is in the final stages of this historic and truly inspiring journey.”
Benitez continued, “Traveling at 24,000 miles per hour, facing temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.” A video showed up on screen of the landing as Benitez continued, “The parachutes deploy. The splashdown, and the first moments we see the astronauts.
David Muir had the latest(Image: ABC News/Youtube)
“And tonight, the new images of the moment rescue teams made first contact with the crew, shared by Dr Jesse Wang, the lead doctor on board the USS Murtha.” The astronauts were seen walking onto a stage in Houston as a crowd erupted into applause.
Benitez said, “The four astronauts getting a heroes welcome back at mission control in Houston. Commander Reid Wiseman emotional, reflecting on the journey.”
Wiseman was filmed telling the crowd, “Before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on Earth. And when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends.”
The Artemis II crew were given a heroes welcome(Image: NASA)
A picture then showed during the ABC broadcast of Wiseman reuniting with his family. Benitez told viewers, “Commander Wiseman here reuniting with his two daughters.”
A video played of people clapping and cheering as Victor Glover’s car drove past. Benitez said, “Artemis pilot Victor Glover’s neighbors in Houston welcoming him home with cheers.” A picture then showed of Glover smiling with his wife and four daughters.
Another picture showed Jeremy Hansen on board the spacecraft. Benitez reported, “Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen with his wedding ring floating in zero gravity, thankful he got home in time for his 23rd wedding anniversary with his wife Catherine.”
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The broadcast concluded with a viral video of Christina Koch arriving home. Benitez said, “And scratching at the door in Jacksonville, North Caroline, mission specialist Christina Koch’s dog Sadie is really glad to see her. Koch sharing the video saying, ‘I’m still pretty sure I was the happier side of the reunion.’ Tonight, all four heroes now home.”
Muir added, “And we say welcome home and thank you to all of you at home who watched right here.” A clip of the broadcast was shared on ABC’s Instagram with the caption, “After a successful flyby mission traveling 695,081 miles and looping around the far side of the moon for the first time in more than 50 years, @GioBenitez reports on the heartwarming reunions back on Earth for astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.”
ABC viewers rushed to the comments to share their thoughts. “So awesome thank you God for your safe journey…but they dog was to adorable,” one person gushed.
Christina Koch was greeted by her dog Sadie upon returning from space(Image: @astro_christina/Instagram)
“How Awesome,” another shared as a third viewer commented, “Congratulations, you guys are heroes.” Someone else echoed, “Congratulations guys, awesome job.”
A fifth ABC fan said, “Big Congratulations to the Artemis II Moon mission crew– astronauts for the completion of its space exploration– Moon mission, and returning safely to Earth on April 10th, 2026!
“Their historic, incredible, and magical journey represents one step further forward for all humankind and its profound humanity!” Another viewer added, “Amazing Integrity Crew ! Welcome home ! Defiantly the best among us .”