Meet the Pioneering Astronauts Set to Return to the Moon

Tue Nov 11 2025 02:37:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

NASA's Artemis II mission crew prepares for a groundbreaking journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission in over half a century. Meet the astronauts who are ready to make history.

NASA announces the Artemis II crew, led by Commander Reid Wiseman, aimed at launching the first crewed lunar mission in 50 years by February 2026. The mission promises unprecedented mapping of lunar landscapes, turning human eyes into key scientific instruments. Crew members, including the first woman and the first non-American on lunar soil, are driven by the spirit of exploration, bringing unity and inspiration at a time of global strife. Each astronaut shares a personal connection to the Apollo missions and the excitement of contributing to humanity's understanding of space.

The commander of NASA's next mission to the Moon, Reid Wiseman, expressed excitement about his crew's upcoming journey, stating that they will witness areas on the Moon never before explored. Wiseman, during a recent news conference, emphasized the potential for their spacecraft to map vast regions that previous Apollo missions overlooked.

NASA intends to launch Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission in half a century, as early as February 2026. Mission specialist Christina Koch revealed that the crew will study the lunar surface for a full three hours, asserting that human eyes are invaluable scientific tools.

Our geologists are beyond excited for our eyes to look at the Moon; this mission can be a first step in addressing humanity's biggest questions, Koch said. The Artemis II mission aims to ultimately establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.

Wiseman shared that their spacecraft is named 'Integrity,' symbolizing peace and hope for all humankind. The crew's inspiration draws significantly from the Apollo program, marking an era of exploration that transformed global perspectives.

Christina Koch, who became an astronaut after being inspired by an iconic Apollo 8 photograph, hopes this mission will ignite a new sense of optimism worldwide. Jeremy Hansen, the first non-American astronaut to fly to the Moon, reflects on the unifying power of this mission amidst global challenges.

Victor Glover, set to be the first black astronaut to land on the Moon, highlights the innate human drive to explore. He recalls President John F. Kennedy's vision for space exploration as a rallying cause for humanity's endeavors.

Commander Reid Wiseman noted the importance of teamwork mentioning the crew’s shared passion for this mission, suggesting their collective humility and drive will make this journey special. Each astronaut is ready to embark on this historic adventure, underscoring humanity's spirit of exploration.

As Christina says, We are ready.
Jeremy adds, We are going.
Victor echoes, To the Moon.
And Reid declares, For all humanity!