Historic Artemis II Mission Astronauts Gear Up for Lunar Journey

Tue Oct 21 2025 03:00:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission to the Moon is ready to embark on a groundbreaking journey, set to launch in February 2026. Experience the excitement through the words of Commander Reid Wiseman and his team.

NASA's Artemis II mission crew, led by Commander Reid Wiseman, is preparing for the first crewed Moon flight in 50 years scheduled for February 2026. The astronauts, including Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, and Victor Glover, are excited to explore areas of the lunar surface never mapped before. The mission aims to deepen our understanding of the Moon and inspire future generations. Each member draws personal inspiration from past lunar explorations, particularly the Apollo missions.

Historic Artemis II Mission Astronauts Gear Up for Lunar Journey

The commander of NASA's next mission to the Moon said that he and his crew would 'see things that no human has ever seen.'

Reid Wiseman told a news conference that his spacecraft would fly over large areas of the Moon that previous Apollo missions had never mapped.

Nasa has announced it hopes to launch the first crewed Moon mission in 50 years as early as February 2026.

Mission specialist Christina Koch emphasized that the astronauts will study the lunar surface in exquisite detail for three hours, highlighting that 'human eyes are one of the best scientific instruments we have.'

The Artemis II mission aims to establish a long-lasting human presence on the Moon, paving the way for future missions to Mars. Wiseman shared that the crew named their spacecraft 'Integrity' to embody peace and hope for humanity.

Each astronaut drew inspiration from the Apollo missions, with Koch recalling how a photograph from Apollo 8 influenced her to become an astronaut. She and her crewmates hope to inspire a new generation through their historic journey.

Hansen, who will be making his first trip to space, resonates with the message of unity and cooperation that the Artemis missions promote, stressing their importance to global inspiration amidst today's challenges.

Glover, the first black person to go to the Moon, brings enthusiasm and charisma, aligning his aspirations with the broader goals of space exploration.

Leading the mission, Wiseman reflects on the significance of their endeavor. He emphasizes that this expedition is not just about returning to the Moon but setting the stage for a human future in Mars exploration.

As their launch approaches, the crew unites in their excitement and hope, proclaiming, 'We are ready... We are going... To the Moon... For all humanity!'