The Artemis II crew are on their way back home after travelling farther into space than any humans in history. The final stage of the mission is perilous - track Orion's journey and follow the astronauts' preparations for re-entry below.

They're nearing the end of their historic trip around the dark side of the moon - but the most dangerous part of NASA's Artemis II mission is yet to come.

Thursday marked the Artemis II crew's final full day in space. They are now preparing for reentry to Earth with NASA expressing confidence in the ship's heat shield. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.

NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya indicated during a Thursday news conference there is "high confidence" in heat shield of the spacecraft carrying the Artemis II crew. (Credit: NASA)

NASA mission managers hold a briefing as the crew prepares for tomorrow night's scheduled splashdown. The Artemis II team is finishing a historic 10-day lunar journey, marking the first time humans have seen the Moon up close since 1972.

Despite problems during the unpiloted Artemis I reentry, the Artemis II crew is confident their heat shield will protect them during a fiery descent to Earth on Friday.

The Artemis II crew is set to return to Earth on Friday during a splashdown off the coast of California, near San Diego.

NASA officials provide the latest on the Artemis II mission from Johnson Space Center. Following a historic lunar flyby and record distance from Earth, the crew of four is testing radiation shielding and manual piloting for Friday’s splashdown.