SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego is gearing up for Friday’s Artemis II splashdown off the coast after the crew’s historic trip around the moon.

Since launch day back on April 1, anticipation for the crew’s return has been growing a number of local venues hosting space-themed events and viewings.

The Artemis II astronauts are falling back toward Earth as they prepare to end a journey from the far side of the moon to America’s finest city. Splashdown is scheduled at 5:07 p.m. Pacific time.

Hotel del Coronado to host Artemis II splashdown watch party

“It’s actually going to be a fun ride for them,” said Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, during a NASA press conference Thursday.

As NASA teams on the ground finish final preparations for Orion’s re-entry and splashdown, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is anticipating a big turnout for their PJ Night Watch Party.

“We’re seeing well over a thousand people already,” said Jim Kidrick, the museum’s president and CEO.

Folks can arrive as early as 10 a.m. Friday with half-price tickets available at 4 p.m. “It’s just going to be fun. There’s a whole bunch of activities for kids, for families,” said Kidrick.

Where to watch Artemis II crew’s return to Earth with kids in San Diego

All eyes will be on a massive LED screen in the museum’s Pavilion of Flight as Orion’s return to Earth is broadcast live – a symbol of perseverance.

“America is back, so what’s up there represents us. So, we’re sharing in their anxieties, happiness, the successful mission that it appears to be,” said Kidrick.

Nearby, the Fleet Science Center is also holding a viewing from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

“We’re just really excited to talk about San Diego’s involvement and how we splashdown over here, and we partner with the Navy,” said Cat Toon, a NASA mission expert.

When to watch Artemis II crew’s return to Earth, splashdown off San Diego

Tickets to the dome theater are sold out, but there will be big screens throughout the science center. Also, a temporary pop-up with personal items from the Artemis astronauts, moon rocks, and models and interactive simulators.

The mission is bringing a lot of attention to the place we call home.

“Being on the national stage and the spotlight and creating history, I think, is amazing for San Diego,” said Daniel Kuperschmid, President/CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority.

He added that the splashdown is attracting visitors and softening the impact of reduced travel from high gas prices.

“The first quarter has been a decent first quarter for us we’ve seen a nice rebound I think because I think because the weather is great here. This is icing on the cake as we see it.”

The Hotel del Coronado will also host a free watch party.

NASA officials say the splashdown won’t be visible from shore and urge boaters to avoid the landing area for safety reasons due to falling debris.

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