Artemis II Makes Historic Journey Around The Moon
On April 1st, four astronauts made history as they prepared for a journey around the Moon aboard Artemis II. The mission officially launched at 6:35:12 p.m. Eastern Time. Although the countdown was briefly paused due to minor technical issues, NASA flight controllers quickly resolved them and resumed operations just minutes before liftoff.
Launching from Kennedy Space Center aboard NASA’s powerful Space Launch System rocket, Artemis II carried its crew on a 9.5-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. The astronauts traveled in the Orion spacecraft, which is specifically designed for deep-space exploration.
Unlike future missions in the Artemis program, Artemis II did not attempt a lunar landing. Instead, it served as a critical test flight to evaluate essential systems and equipment. NASA officials emphasize that the mission was a major step toward future crewed lunar landings.
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Astronauts Shares Inspiring Message From Space
The members of the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft were some of NASA’s finest – including the first woman to fly around the Moon, Christina Koch; the first Black astronaut to fly around the Moon, Pilot Victor Glover; and Commander Reid Wiseman.
The fourth crew member was from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Jeremy Hansen. The spacecraft returned to Earth on Friday (April 10). Splashdown occured in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, where recovery teams were positioned to retrieve both the crew and the capsule.
While in space, the crew gave an interview with CBS from aboard their Orion spacecraft, named Integrity. CBS News’ senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann asked if they had a message for humanity as Easter neared.
“You know, I don’t have anything prepared. I’m glad you brought that up, though. I think these observances are important, and as we are so far from Earth and looking at, you know, the beauty of creation, I think, for me, one of the really important personal perspectives that I have up here is I can really see Earth as one thing,” Glover said.
“When I read the Bible and I look at all of the amazing things that were done for us, who were created, you have this amazing place … You guys are talking to us because we’re in a spaceship really far from earth, but you’re on a spaceship called Earth that was created to give us a place to live in the universe and the cosmos,” he continued.
You can watch that interview below.
Country Singer Zac Brown Sends Message To Artemis Crew
On Friday (April 10th), it was announced that the song, “Free,” by Zac Brown Band was used to wake the crew as they began their final day in space. After the song played, the astronauts heard a personalized message recorded by Zac Brown himself.
“Good morning Reed, Victor, Christina and Jeremy,” the lead singer said. “Zac from Zac Brown Band here, checking in from the USA. We hope that piece of our song, ‘Free,’ helps start your day with the right kind of lift. We just want to say how proud we are of you. It takes courage, grit, and freedom to chase the unknown. It’s the purest kind of American spirit.”
Zac told the crew that back at home “millions” of Americans were feeling inspired because of their courage.
“Keep flying strong. Keep flying safe. We can’t wait to welcome you home.”
The singer and his fiancé, jewelry designer Kendra Scott, shared a sweet video of the milestone moment on Instagram.
“Baby, wake up! They’re playing your song in space!” Kendra told her husband.
The crew also woke up to “Under Pressure,” “Run To The Water,” “Good Morning” and more. NASA recently shared a playlist of all the tracks they’ve played in the mornings.