NASA has selected its first crew for a manned mission to the moon in over five decades. The four astronauts, all seasoned space travelers with extensive experience in space exploration, will embark on an unprecedented journey as part of the Artemis II lunar flyby.
Leading the crew is Reid Wiseman, a 47-year-old decorated naval aviator and test pilot who was first selected by NASA in 2009. A veteran of one prior spaceflight, Wiseman will serve as commander of the Artemis II mission. He brings over 3,000 flight hours to his role, including time spent on more than 40 aircraft.
Next is Victor Glover, a 46-year-old naval aviator who piloted the second crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft in 2021. After spending nearly six months aboard the International Space Station, Glover will join Wiseman on the historic mission. The seasoned astronaut is known for his experience in space travel and has already logged extensive time in space.
Christina Koch, a 44-year-old veteran of six spacewalks, including the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, rounds out the crew. A skilled engineer, Koch holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, having spent an impressive 328 days in space. Her extensive experience has prepared her well for the challenges ahead.
Rounding out the team is Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, a 47-year-old fighter pilot who will make history as Canada's first astronaut to venture into deep space. With over 3,000 flight hours under his belt, Hansen is no stranger to high-stakes aviation and space travel.
The Artemis II mission is expected to launch in November 2024, with the crew embarking on a 10-day journey that will take them beyond the moon's orbit for the first time. The spacecraft will return to Earth for a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after completing its historic flyby.
While the exact distance of the mission has not been confirmed, NASA officials have emphasized that it will mark a major milestone in human space exploration. The success of this mission paves the way for future lunar missions and even the establishment of a permanent lunar outpost.
The selection process for this diverse crew was seen as a significant step forward for NASA, reflecting the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Director Vanessa Wyche noted that the team has "the right stuff" despite requiring different qualifications than in previous historic missions. The astronauts have been tight-lipped about their selection process but have expressed their excitement at being part of this groundbreaking mission.
As the Artemis II crew prepares for liftoff, they will join an exclusive group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to space exploration and pushing the boundaries of human achievement.
Leading the crew is Reid Wiseman, a 47-year-old decorated naval aviator and test pilot who was first selected by NASA in 2009. A veteran of one prior spaceflight, Wiseman will serve as commander of the Artemis II mission. He brings over 3,000 flight hours to his role, including time spent on more than 40 aircraft.
Next is Victor Glover, a 46-year-old naval aviator who piloted the second crewed flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft in 2021. After spending nearly six months aboard the International Space Station, Glover will join Wiseman on the historic mission. The seasoned astronaut is known for his experience in space travel and has already logged extensive time in space.
Christina Koch, a 44-year-old veteran of six spacewalks, including the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, rounds out the crew. A skilled engineer, Koch holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, having spent an impressive 328 days in space. Her extensive experience has prepared her well for the challenges ahead.
Rounding out the team is Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, a 47-year-old fighter pilot who will make history as Canada's first astronaut to venture into deep space. With over 3,000 flight hours under his belt, Hansen is no stranger to high-stakes aviation and space travel.
The Artemis II mission is expected to launch in November 2024, with the crew embarking on a 10-day journey that will take them beyond the moon's orbit for the first time. The spacecraft will return to Earth for a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after completing its historic flyby.
While the exact distance of the mission has not been confirmed, NASA officials have emphasized that it will mark a major milestone in human space exploration. The success of this mission paves the way for future lunar missions and even the establishment of a permanent lunar outpost.
The selection process for this diverse crew was seen as a significant step forward for NASA, reflecting the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Director Vanessa Wyche noted that the team has "the right stuff" despite requiring different qualifications than in previous historic missions. The astronauts have been tight-lipped about their selection process but have expressed their excitement at being part of this groundbreaking mission.
As the Artemis II crew prepares for liftoff, they will join an exclusive group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to space exploration and pushing the boundaries of human achievement.
... Like, these astronauts are super qualified and all, but has anyone thought about the mental health implications of being cooped up in a spaceship for 10 days? 
They'll be away from their families and friends for who knows how long... it could get pretty tough.
! It's been ages since we've had any kind of human space exploration, and this mission is a major step forward. Plus, with a diverse crew like this, it's awesome to see people from different backgrounds coming together to achieve something incredible.
We should really be prepared for that kind of thing... but at the same time, the fact that these astronauts are seasoned space travelers means they're likely equipped to handle just about anything. It's a tough call, I guess 
. A 44-year-old woman, Christina Koch, making history with her six spacewalks? That's a major win for women in STEM 
. And let's not forget Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, breaking barriers as Canada's first astronaut in deep space 
.
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And they're not just any astronauts, they've got loads of experience under their belts. Reid Wiseman is the commander and has flown like, thousands of hours of planes. 
Christina Koch is super experienced too - she's done more spacewalks than I can count, and spent a looong time in space (like 328 days!). 
It's awesome to see that NASA is trying to mix it up with a diverse crew... it's about time! 
another thing NASA's gonna try to do is fix its rocket engines...like 3 times now 
. Just think about it, billions of dollars spent on a crewed mission and they're still having trouble with their propulsion system. What's next? Sending out a team of astronauts just to check if the spacecraft doesn't explode in space 
. Still, I guess it's cool that NASA is trying to be more diverse and inclusive... but let's not forget about the actual mission and its success 
Oh man I'm so hyped!! This is like a dream come true for space enthusiasts! Four amazing astronauts with so much experience are about to embark on this historic mission 
, and Jeremy Hansen being Canada's first astronaut in deep space is a huge deal 
It gives me chills just thinking about it...
. Now, with this Artemis II crew, they're taking it to the next level by selecting a diverse group of astronauts 
, I mean, 3k flight hours under his belt? that's insane! and Victor Glover was already doing space travel in 2021 
Christina Koch is like the ultimate engineer girl 
, holding records left and right. Jeremy Hansen is like the Canadian superhero of space 
NASA is really pushing the boundaries with this Artemis II mission, and I'm here for it!
can you imagine setting foot on the moon after all these years? it's like we're taking a giant leap forward for humanity 
and getting them thinking big about what's possible 
Jeremy Hansen's also got some serious skills as Canada's first astronaut in deep space. Can't wait to see what Nov 2024 brings - fingers crossed for a successful mission and maybe even setting up that permanent lunar outpost 
Can't wait to see them fly by the moon in November 
Christina Koch's record-breaking spaceflight is giving me all the feels, and Jeremy Hansen being Canada's first astronaut in deep space is, like, a HUGE deal! 
. The fact that Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian astronaut, gets to be part of this historic mission is a great representation for Canada 
. The team's experience and skills will be invaluable in paving the way for more ambitious missions. Fingers crossed that this mission is a success! 
, Christina Koch 
, and Jeremy Hansen 
are all seasoned space travelers with crazy amounts of experience 
!
and includes a Canadian astronaut for the first time 
! It's a major milestone in human space exploration 
!