‘We came back as best friends’: Artemis II crew reflects on historic moon mission
Less than a week ago, the Artemis II crew made history with their 10-day, 694,481-mile journey to the moon and back. Now, they have gathered at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to share insights from their successful mission.
The crew of three NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut reflected on their time aboard the Orion spacecraft, Integrity, during the first mission to the moon in over 50 years. Commander Reid Wiseman expressed gratitude to his crewmates for their support throughout the incredible adventure. He emphasized the strong bond they developed, stating that they launched as friends and returned as best friends.
When asked about the impact of their achievement, the crew remained humble, focusing on the mission at hand. Pilot Victor Glover acknowledged the need to face the reality of their accomplishment, while mission specialist Christina Koch shared an emotional moment when her husband acknowledged the difference they had made.
Jeremy Hansen, the first Canadian to travel into deep space, highlighted the positive response from the public and emphasized the inherent goodness of humanity. Wiseman marveled at the otherworldly experience of deep space and the challenges of comprehending such vastness.
Koch shared her experience of “space sleep,” describing it as the best sleep ever. She also noted the disorienting feeling of gravity upon returning to Earth. The crew praised the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System, affirming their readiness for the upcoming Artemis III mission.
As they reflected on their journey, the crew shared personal items they brought with them, including notes from friends and sentimental gifts. They also offered advice to young people looking to the stars, emphasizing the importance of setting challenging goals, seeking fulfillment, and supporting others.
Looking ahead to future missions, the crew expressed excitement about contributing to NASA’s plans for a moon base and surface operations. They acknowledged the need for risk-taking and trust in problem-solving abilities to overcome challenges in real time.
Overall, the Artemis II crew’s experience has inspired them to continue pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown. Their dedication to space exploration and commitment to collaboration serve as a beacon for future generations of space explorers.
