NASA has chosen its first crew for the Artemis II mission, a historic lunar flyby set to launch in November 2024. For the first time in five decades, humans will be returning to the moon, paving the way for further space exploration.
The four astronauts selected for the mission are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft, which is being developed to take humans back to the lunar surface by 2025.
Wiseman, 47, is a decorated naval aviator and test pilot with extensive experience in spaceflight. As commander of the Artemis II mission, he will be responsible for leading the crew through this historic journey.
Glover, also 46, is a veteran astronaut who has spent six months on the International Space Station as part of SpaceX's Crew Dragon program. Hansen, 47, is a Canadian fighter pilot who will become the first Canadian to travel to deep space.
Koch, 44, holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman and is an electrical engineer with experience in scientific instrument development. The crew's diverse backgrounds and expertise reflect NASA's efforts to assemble a team that can tackle the challenges of lunar exploration.
The Artemis II mission will serve as a testbed for the Orion spacecraft and its capabilities, paving the way for future human missions to the moon and eventually Mars. With this historic journey, humanity is one step closer to re-establishing a presence in space.
In an interview with CNN, Koch described her experience of learning she had been selected for the mission, saying "It truly is an honor... It's an honor — not to get myself in space — but because it's amazing to be a part of this team that's going back to the moon and on to Mars."
The four astronauts selected for the mission are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft, which is being developed to take humans back to the lunar surface by 2025.
Wiseman, 47, is a decorated naval aviator and test pilot with extensive experience in spaceflight. As commander of the Artemis II mission, he will be responsible for leading the crew through this historic journey.
Glover, also 46, is a veteran astronaut who has spent six months on the International Space Station as part of SpaceX's Crew Dragon program. Hansen, 47, is a Canadian fighter pilot who will become the first Canadian to travel to deep space.
Koch, 44, holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman and is an electrical engineer with experience in scientific instrument development. The crew's diverse backgrounds and expertise reflect NASA's efforts to assemble a team that can tackle the challenges of lunar exploration.
The Artemis II mission will serve as a testbed for the Orion spacecraft and its capabilities, paving the way for future human missions to the moon and eventually Mars. With this historic journey, humanity is one step closer to re-establishing a presence in space.
In an interview with CNN, Koch described her experience of learning she had been selected for the mission, saying "It truly is an honor... It's an honor — not to get myself in space — but because it's amazing to be a part of this team that's going back to the moon and on to Mars."
! Four talented astronauts have been chosen for this historic journey, each bringing their unique skills to the table. It’s awesome to see a diverse team like that, you know? Reid Wiseman as commander, Victor Glover with his space station experience, Jeremy Hansen being the first Canadian in deep space... and Christina Koch holding that record for longest single spaceflight 
. It's one step closer to making humanity a multi-planetary species, which is pretty mind-blowing if you ask me 
. And can we talk about the Orion spacecraft? It sounds like an incredible vessel that’s gonna take these astronauts on an epic adventure through space 
It's been ages since we've had humans set foot on the moon, and now they're getting ready to do it all again. The fact that they're going in November 2024 is insane – can you believe it?! 
I mean, these four astronauts are total rockstars. Reid Wiseman as commander is a great choice, he's got spaceflight experience for days! 
. The Orion spacecraft is being developed to take humans back to the lunar surface by 2025, which means we might have a human settlement at the moon sooner than we think 
.
. Go team NASA! 
. Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen seem like a top-notch crew to me 
. What's also cool is that it's not just about sending humans back to the moon, but setting up for Mars missions too 
. Can't wait to hear more about their experiences when they return!
And Victor Glover's experience on the ISS is gonna be a game changer. This crew is gonna make history and pave the way for humans on Mars! 
. These four astronauts are literally the coolest - Reid Wiseman is like a space superhero with his naval aviator background 
. And can we talk about how far we've come? Five decades ago, humans were stuck on Earth and now we're on track to explore Mars too! 
as the commander, I love how diverse this team is - a naval aviator, a fighter pilot, and an electrical engineer... genius 
! Christina Koch's record single spaceflight is mind-blowing 
. This mission is huge, it's not just about the moon, but Mars too 
, humanity's future in space is so exciting 
. I mean, can't they see how short their spaceflight experience is? Wiseman has only been in space like 3 times, Glover has spent a whole 6 months up there (not exactly a long time if you ask me), and Koch... well, she's just got some arbitrary record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman 
Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch & Jeremy Hansen r goin 2 BLAST OFF 
Canada's got rep too! 
Christina Koch is like "I'm not just a astronaut, I'm a SCIENTIST" 
. but at the same time, its kinda awesome that we're finally getting back 2 the moon & it could be a stepping stone 2 mars 
. It's crazy thinkin about Christina Koch holdin the record for longest single spaceflight by a woman 
, and this mission will be all about testing those capabilities 
. Did you know the average age of the crew members? 
. And can't wait to see Jeremy Hansen become the first Canadian in deep space - that's some cool Canadian pride flag waving action 
and the fact that it's gonna be a testbed for the Orion spacecraft is just amazing! We're one step closer to Mars and re-establishing humanity's presence in space!
it's like, humanity is finally taking a giant leap forward and I am HERE FOR IT!!! 
. It's been ages since we've seen humans on the moon, and it's awesome that they're bringing it back in style 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of this team? It's not just about being an astronaut, but about contributing to something bigger than yourself 
. And Jeremy Hansen becoming the first Canadian in deep space is a sick achievement