NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission: What crew members said before leaving for mission?
NASA's Artemis II moon mission is preparing for launch. At a news conference about the mission, the crew said they are "ready to go."
The mission will carry a four-member crew, including NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch. Another mission specialist from the Canadian Space Agency, Jeremy Hansen, will also be on board.
Reid Wiseman said the crew is "ready to go." He explained that the crew has been working on this mission for more than two years.
Meanwhile, Christina Koch said the real purpose of the entire mission is "to bring discovery and knowledge back to Earth."
NASA is weeks away from sending astronauts farther than any crew has traveled before, with the agency’s second mission in its Artemis campaign. The Artemis II Press Kit now is available with information on the mission, astronauts, and other resources for media.
Momentous step forward for human spaceflight
“Artemis II will be a momentous step forward for human spaceflight. This historic mission will send humans farther from Earth than ever before and deliver the insights needed for us to return to the Moon — all with America at the helm,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Artemis II represents progress toward establishing a lasting lunar presence and sending Americans to Mars. I could not be more impressed by our NASA team and the Artemis II crew, and wish them well. Boldly forward.”
Under the Artemis campaign, NASA is returning humans to the Moon for economic benefits, scientific discovery, and to prepare for crewed missions to Mars.
Pilot Victor Glover is taking a Bible and "items related to his daughters and wife" on the 10-day mission. Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen will be taking "four moon pendants" that he gave to his wife and three children two years ago.
First human mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 landing in Dec 1972
The first potential launch date for NASA's Artemis is considered to be February 6. However, NASA has set several alternative launch dates for the mission. This will be the first human mission to the Moon since the Apollo 17 landing in December 1972. However, Artemis II does not include a lunar landing.
This mission will pave the way for astronauts to land on the Moon as part of Artemis III. NASA says this landing will not happen "before 2027."