In brief
Amidst excitement for NASA's Artemis II mission, former Apollo program engineers and astronauts share their emotional reflections. Many survivors, now in their 80s and 90s, wish they had seen the Artemis launches earlier and wish for wider enthusiasm for a new era of lunar exploration. Key figures, including Charlie Mars and JoAnn Morgan, highlight the difference in the current aerospace landscape and express optimism as NASA gears up to return to the moon, aiming for significant milestones by 2028.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The engineers and visionaries who supported the Apollo missions now watch with anticipation as NASA prepares to return to the moon with the Artemis program. Many of these aging pioneers, now in their 80s and 90s, feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia, hoping the new generation of Artemis missions happens sooner rather than later, especially as fewer of them remain to commemorate this comeback. Charlie Mars, at 90, reflects on the fervent passion that buzzed during Apollo's triumphs: “There was an energy. There was a passion that probably is not exactly the same today and hasn’t been for a while.” While no reunion is on the horizon for the upcoming Artemis II flight scheduled for April 1, those individuals still close to NASA are eager to watch the launch from their homes.JoAnn Morgan, a retired engineer and the sole woman in launch control for Apollo 11, expressed her frustrations about the cancellation of Apollo missions that she feels deprived the world of witnessing more moon landings. “I’m just trying to stay alive so I can see us actually get back and step foot on the moon,” she stated.The Apollo veterans recognize the pace of moon exploration hasn't matched their aspirations, as articulated by Mars, who would rally support to expedite progress if he were in charge. In contrast, there is a noticeable transformation in NASA's workforce, with women stepping into leadership roles for Artemis missions—Charlie Blackwell-Thompson as launch director and astronaut Christina Koch poised for history.The Artemis program is propelled by the newly appointed NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, who aims to accelerate mission timelines and build a sustainable lunar presence. He welcomes ambitious plans for a moon base and innovative technologies to enhance public interest.While Apollo veterans yearn for the thrill they once experienced, there is a sense of hope that the Artemis missions will bring renewed excitement and a new generation of watchers as events unfold on the lunar surface, particularly within the younger demographic that missed out on earlier breakthroughs. Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke looks forward to the moment Artemis is successful, believing that millions will be captivated again by human achievements on the moon.
