Artemis II Crew Reflects on Their Historic Mission
After returning from a groundbreaking 10-day mission around the moon and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, the Artemis II crew gathered at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, Texas. They shared emotional reflections on their time in space during a welcome ceremony.
Captain Reid Wiseman opened the event, expressing the unique feeling of being human and on Earth. He remarked that the journey had bound them together “forever,” leading to a heartfelt group hug.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman welcomed the crew, including Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. Isaacman highlighted the costs associated with space exploration but emphasized the inspiration, technological advancements, and hope that arise from such efforts. “The long wait is over,” he noted, suggesting that after a 53-year pause, NASA is returning to sending astronauts to the moon safely.
Wiseman, humorously mentioning he wasn’t sure what to say, reflected on how vast the Earth seemed from space. Glover, still processing the experience, conveyed immense gratitude for the sights they had seen and the companionship shared during the mission.
Koch described moments from both the beginning and end of the mission as deeply human, recalling how it all started when the mission manager woke her with excitement and ended with a nurse offering a hug. She remarked on her newfound understanding of the significance of a “crew,” emphasizing that it represents a collective of individuals united in purpose and sacrifice.
Hansen expressed appreciation for the extensive support and training they received, calling it “almost unbelievable.” He added that the crew shared a passion for contributing to something greater and emphasized that their achievements reflect the hopes and dreams of all humanity.
In a moment of connection, Hansen encouraged their audience, saying, “When you look up here, I would like to remind you that you are not looking at us; we are a mirror that reflects you.” His words aimed to inspire others to look deeper into their own potential.
