"Splashdown" refers to the landing of a spacecraft in water, typically after a mission in space. This method was commonly used during the early days of human spaceflight, particularly by NASA's Apollo program. After re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft would deploy parachutes to slow its descent before hitting the ocean. The splashdown area is usually predetermined, often in a designated zone in the Pacific Ocean. Recovery teams, including ships and helicopters, are dispatched to retrieve the astronauts and the spacecraft after landing. This technique was essential for ensuring a safe return to Earth before advancements in land-based landings.