The US space agency NASA has revealed the four astronauts selected for its highly anticipated first crewed mission to the moon in over five decades. The Artemis II mission is set to launch in November 2024 and will mark a major milestone in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to lunar orbit by 2025.
At the helm of this historic endeavor are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen - four astronauts with diverse backgrounds that demonstrate the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Wiseman, a decorated naval aviator and test pilot, will serve as commander of the mission. Hansen, a 47-year-old fighter pilot from Canada, is set to become the first Canadian astronaut in deep space.
Glover, a seasoned naval aviator who flew on SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, brings extensive experience in long-duration spaceflight. Koch, a veteran engineer and scientist, holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, with over 328 days spent in space. Hansen will be an invaluable asset to the team as they embark on this ambitious mission.
The crew will embark on a 10-day journey that will see them traveling beyond the moon, a feat that has never been attempted before. The spacecraft is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean after completing its lunar flyby, marking a major milestone in human spaceflight history.
NASA's efforts are part of an ambitious plan to establish a permanent lunar outpost and eventually send humans to Mars. With this mission, the agency aims to pave the way for future generations of astronauts and ensure that humanity remains a presence in space.
The selection process for the crew was shrouded in secrecy until recently, with director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Vanessa Wyche, revealing little information about how the team was chosen. However, Wyche did emphasize the diversity and expertise of the selected astronauts, highlighting their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
For Koch, being part of this historic mission is a surreal experience. "It truly is an honor... It's an honor not to get myself into space, but because it's amazing to be a part of this team that's going back to the moon and on to Mars," she said in an interview with CNN.
The crew will soon have their moment in the spotlight when they appear on CNN This Morning, starting Tuesday at 6 am ET. As the world watches with bated breath, these four astronauts are set to make history as part of NASA's Artemis II mission.
At the helm of this historic endeavor are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen - four astronauts with diverse backgrounds that demonstrate the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Wiseman, a decorated naval aviator and test pilot, will serve as commander of the mission. Hansen, a 47-year-old fighter pilot from Canada, is set to become the first Canadian astronaut in deep space.
Glover, a seasoned naval aviator who flew on SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, brings extensive experience in long-duration spaceflight. Koch, a veteran engineer and scientist, holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, with over 328 days spent in space. Hansen will be an invaluable asset to the team as they embark on this ambitious mission.
The crew will embark on a 10-day journey that will see them traveling beyond the moon, a feat that has never been attempted before. The spacecraft is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean after completing its lunar flyby, marking a major milestone in human spaceflight history.
NASA's efforts are part of an ambitious plan to establish a permanent lunar outpost and eventually send humans to Mars. With this mission, the agency aims to pave the way for future generations of astronauts and ensure that humanity remains a presence in space.
The selection process for the crew was shrouded in secrecy until recently, with director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Vanessa Wyche, revealing little information about how the team was chosen. However, Wyche did emphasize the diversity and expertise of the selected astronauts, highlighting their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
For Koch, being part of this historic mission is a surreal experience. "It truly is an honor... It's an honor not to get myself into space, but because it's amazing to be a part of this team that's going back to the moon and on to Mars," she said in an interview with CNN.
The crew will soon have their moment in the spotlight when they appear on CNN This Morning, starting Tuesday at 6 am ET. As the world watches with bated breath, these four astronauts are set to make history as part of NASA's Artemis II mission.
astronaut this is so exciting! I mean, a crewed mission to the moon in over 5 decades? That's huge. The fact that they're bringing diverse backgrounds and expertise on board shows NASA is all about inclusivity and making sure we've got the best people for the job. Jeremy Hansen's gonna be an awesome addition as Canada's first astronaut in deep space 
! And can you imagine being part of a team that's paving the way for humans to go to Mars? The history is going to be made here, and I'm hyped! 
. I mean, can you believe we're gonna have a Canadian astronaut in deep space? Jeremy Hansen, rep your Great White North! 
.
. Not to mention the Pacific Ocean landing, I'm imagining a sick selfie op 
.
!
! It's been ages since humans have set foot on lunar soil and this crew is actually pretty cool 
. I mean, Reid Wiseman as commander makes sense, he's got some serious flying experience under his belt 
. But Jeremy Hansen being the first Canadian astronaut in deep space? That's a nice touch 
. but what i really love about this is that nasa's trying to make space accessible to everyone, not just a bunch of privileged elites. they're talking diversity & inclusivity here, which is super important. lets get ready for some serious moonwalks in 2025 
cant wait to see the pics & vids from their 10-day journey