NASA’s Artemis II crew launched on April 2nd, becoming the first humans to venture beyond Earth orbit since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, and have begun relaying their experiences.
Artemis II Mission Underway
On Thursday, April 2nd, after midnight Central European Time, the NASA crew embarked on the Artemis II mission, which involves orbiting the Moon. This marks the first time humans have left Earth orbit since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, as confirmed by Dr. Lori Glaze, Acting Deputy Administrator for the Systems Engineering and Development Directorate at NASA headquarters in Washington.
The four-person crew of the Orion spacecraft contacted Earth the following day to report on conditions aboard.
Challenges of Sleep in Space
Gio Benitez of ABC News questioned the astronauts about the challenges of sleeping in the confined space of the spacecraft. Commander Reid Wiseman noted the crew had been so occupied they had only managed two very short naps.
Wiseman revealed that Christina Koch sleeps head-down, “hanging like a bat” in the middle of the spacecraft, while Jeremy Hansen sleeps “under the monitor screens in case something goes wrong.” Pilot Victor Glover squeezes into a narrow gap. “It’s more comfortable than you think. It’s nice to sleep in zero gravity again,” Wiseman said.
“Breathtaking View”
The astronauts were able to observe the entire Earth, from pole to pole, as well as Africa and Europe. “It was the most spectacular moment that stopped all four of us in our tracks,” Wiseman stated.
Aurora Borealis and Celestial Displays
The aurora borealis is also visible from their vantage point. “I knew what we were going to see, but nothing prepares you for the breathtaking view of the planet illuminated during the day, the moon shining at night, and the sun setting in beautiful splendor,” said Christina Koch. The view captivated the astronauts so much they took photos instead of eating lunch.
The moment of launch itself was also significant. “I just had a huge smile on my face,” reported Jeremy Hansen.
A Call for Unity
Pilot Victor Glover appealed to Americans to unite around the Artemis II mission. He emphasized that regardless of background or appearance, they are all one nation. “It’s not for nothing that we call amazing things people do ‘shooting for the moon’ [aiming high – ed.]. This mission has shown us what we can achieve when we not only set aside what differentiates us, but combine those differences to achieve something great,” Glover said.
