Meet the crew behind NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in decades

The Artemis II mission is more than just a test flight mdash it is a major step towards returning humans to the Moon For the first time in decades astronauts will travel beyond the Earthorbit and around the Moon aboard the powerful Orion spacecraft powered by the Space Launch SystemBeyond the technology and science the missionrsquos four crew members bring exceptional skill courage and determination to this historic journeyReid Wiseman The quiet power of a single fatherCommander Reid Wiseman is no stranger to space A US Navy veteran and engineer Wiseman previously spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station conducting hundreds of experiments and even performing spacewalksBut beyond his impressive career Wisemanrsquos personal life tells a story of resilience Wiseman is a single father of two after his wife Carrol passed away due to cancer in 2020 He considers raising his children mdash especially through challenging times mdash as his greatest achievement Away from the spotlight Wiseman is someone who leans on learning and reflection He is known to turn to books and expert insights when faced with challenges maintaining a mindset focused on growth and adaptabilityVictor Glover Breaking barriers and reaching new heightsPilot Victor Glover has already made history as part of a previous SpaceX mission to the International Space Station A naval aviator and test pilot he has flown advanced fighter jets and served in both combat and peace missionsThe pilot balances the highpressure world of spaceflight with his role as a devoted husband and fatherGloverrsquos journey reflects determination and service From being a studentathlete to a space explorer he has always balanced excellence with community values His role as pilot on Artemis II places him at the heart of navigating this complex missionChristina Koch Pushing limits and redefining possibilitiesMission Specialist Christina Koch grew up in Michigan and North Carolina spending summers on her familyrsquos farm Her upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a passion for challenges which carried her through recordbreaking spaceflights including the longest single spaceflight by a woman mdash 328 days mdash and the first allfemale spacewalkRaised with a love for the outdoors and challenges Kochrsquos personality shines through her adventurous spirit Whether itrsquos climbing surfing or exploring space she thrives in demanding environments Her journey represents how persistence and passion can redefine whatrsquos possibleJeremy Hansen Grounded in family Canadian roots and love for sleepMission Specialist Jeremy Hansen represents the Canadian Space Agency making Artemis II a truly international mission Raised on a farm in Canada Hansenrsquos path to space was shaped by curiosity and disciplineA military officer and space science graduate he balances his professional life with a strong family connection Known for his humility and humour he jokes in an interview that his ldquosuperpowerrdquo is sleepingmdasha skill his wife will happily confirm Hansen often credits his familyrsquos support as his strength something he carries with him into spaceI am pretty lucky in this job that I have the support of this family says the only Canadian crew memberMore than astronauts A team that represents humanityIn a touching tribute during their historic journey the crew named a lunar crater after Commander Reid Wisemanrsquos late wife Carroll and also designated another crater ldquoIntegrityrdquo to reflect the spirit of their spacecraftIts a bright spot on the Moon And we would like to call it Carroll Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen told a live broadcastTogether these four astronauts reflect a blend of experience diversity and shared purpose They launched from Kennedy Space Center swung around the Moon and are now returning after testing critical systems for future lunar missions Their journey includes highspeed reentry into Earthrsquos atmosphere and a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean bringing them back home after pushing the boundaries of explorationAs the crew prepared to leave Earth behind they remind us that space exploration is not just about rockets and technology mdash or just about its fourmember crew mdash itrsquos about families ready to support people willing to take risks explore the unknown and expand what humanity can achieve together