The four astronauts NASA picked for the first crewed moon mission in 50 years
The four astronauts NASA picked for the first crewed moon mission in 50 years
NASA has unveiled the team for the first manned lunar mission in half a century. The group, consisting of three American astronauts and one Canadian, will embark on training for the Artemis II flight, which is scheduled for launch in November 2024. This mission will mark a pivotal step in humanity’s return to the Moon, following the completion of an unmanned test flight in late 2022.
Commander and Veteran Pilot
Reid Wiseman, 47, will lead the crew. A decorated naval aviator and test pilot, he joined NASA in 2009 and completed a 165-day mission to the International Space Station in 2014. Prior to that, he served as chief of the astronaut office until his departure in late 2022. His experience makes him a strong candidate for the commander role, as he prepares for the next phase of space exploration.
Canadian Trailblazer
Jeremy Hansen, 47, of London, Ontario, is set to become the first Canadian to venture into deep space. Selected for astronaut training by the Canadian Space Agency in 2009, he is among only four active Canadian astronauts. Hansen recently took charge of training a new class of NASA astronauts, a milestone in his career. His participation in Artemis II underscores Canada’s growing role in lunar missions.
Spaceflight Pioneer
Victor Glover, 46, is a naval aviator who previously flew aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in 2020. His six-month stay on the International Space Station included piloting the Crew-1 mission and completing over 400 carrier landings. Before being selected for NASA in 2013, Glover worked as a legislative fellow in the US Senate. His background in military aviation and space operations positions him as a key member of the team.
“This moment isn’t just about the names we’ve revealed today,” Glover remarked during the Monday event at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “It’s a defining step toward humanity’s journey to Mars. We’re not just returning to the Moon; we’re laying the groundwork for deeper exploration.”
Record-Breaking Engineer
Christina Koch, 44, has broken records as the longest-serving female astronaut in space. She completed six spacewalks, including the historic first all-female mission in 2019. Koch’s expertise in electrical engineering has contributed to developing scientific equipment for NASA missions. Her experience in the harsh environment of the South Pole—a year-long stay in Antarctica—has also prepared her for the challenges of lunar travel.
The Artemis II crew will travel aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft, launched by the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center. The mission will last approximately 10 days, sending the team beyond the Moon’s orbit. The exact distance from Earth will vary depending on launch timing and the Moon’s position, according to NASA spokesperson Kathryn Hambleton.
After completing the lunar flyby, the crew will splash down in the Pacific Ocean. Artemis II is a precursor to Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the Moon again after the Apollo program ended in 1972. This mission will also pave the way for future lunar landings, including the first with a woman and a person of color. However, the technology required for Artemis III, such as advanced spacesuits and a lunar lander, remains under development.