Space exploration fascinates me, so today I will look up in anticipation of the launch of Artemis II that will take humans to the Moon — the first such mission in over 50 years.
As I live in North Carolina and the launch is taking place in Florida at the Kennedy Space Center, staring into the sky will be a symbolic posture. Yet I will look all the same, knowing the astronauts are going beyond our atmosphere for a journey few have ever dared to attempt.
Ad astra. To the stars.
Astronauts and explorers
The mission of the Artemis II is to test deep-space mission capability for mankind, with four astronauts going further than anyone has ever gone in space exploration. Aboard the Artemis II are three Americans and one Canadian who are planning for a 10-day trip around the Moon. Keep reading to learn more about each of the astronauts — and why this is history in the making.
Commander Reid Wiseman is a Navy veteran and pilot who was selected to join the NASA program as an astronaut in 2009.
Pilot Victor J. Glover, Jr. joined the NASA program in 2013, and is a Navy aviator. Glover is making history as the first Black astronaut to go to the Moon.
Mission specialist Christina Koch is an engineer aboard the Artemis II who joined the NASA program as an astronaut in 2013. Koch is making history as the first woman to go to the Moon.
Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran on the Artemis II who was selected for the Canadian Space Agency program as an astronaut in 2009. Hansen is making history as the first Canadian to go to the Moon.
Expanding the mission
We have spent more than 50 years away from the Moon’s surface; the last crewed lunar landing was Apollo 17 in 1972. As the final Apollo mission, it was deemed a success, with astronaut-geologist Harrison H. Schmitt even claiming the title as “first scientist on the Moon.”
With decades of research under its belt, NASA has expanded its vision far beyond simply putting man on the Moon. Under President Trump’s National Space Policy, the hope now is to not only land on the Moon for future missions, but to build a base for “an enduring presence… to ensure American leadership in space,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in a March 24 announcement.
“If we concentrate NASA’s extraordinary resources on the objectives of the National Space Policy, clear away needless obstacles that impede progress, and unleash the workforce and industrial might of our nation and partners, then returning to the Moon and building a base will seem pale in comparison to what we will be capable of accomplishing in the years ahead.”
For mankind
One day, we may live on the Moon. Today, I look up to cheer for the people who will get us there.
For the benefit of all.
