Excitement created by astronaut's landing (6)

I believe the answer is:

splash

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'excitement' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for splash that I've seen before include "Accidentally get liquid on" , "Bright patch of colour; fall in drops" , "Spend freely or make wet" , "Prominent front page news story" , "Watery sound" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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