Contents
Reid Wiseman: Commander of Artemis II
Reid Wiseman brings impressive credentials to the Artemis II mission. He's from Baltimore, Maryland, holding an engineering bachelor's from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master's from Johns Hopkins University.
Wiseman's military service showcases his dedication and skill. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1999, he was deployed twice to the Middle East as a fighter pilot, with his first deployment in 2003. These experiences honed his piloting skills and prepared him for the rigors of space travel.
Selected by NASA in 2009, Wiseman was part of an elite group of nine astronauts. Upon finishing training in 2011, he embarked on his first space mission in May 2014. During this 165-day mission, he served as a crewmember on Expeditions 40 and 41 aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
His tenure as the chief of NASA's astronaut office from December 2020 to November 2022 indicates the esteem in which he is held within the agency. Stepping down from this role, he now focuses on commanding Artemis II, the first crewed mission of NASA's new deep-space transportation system. Under his leadership, the mission is anticipated to pave the way for further lunar exploration and eventually, Mars missions.
Wiseman sees Artemis as a chance to return to the moon and a stepping stone towards Mars and beyond. His comments show a focus on unity and collaboration, highlighting the international nature of space exploration.
With him at the helm, Artemis II promises to be a significant leap forward in humanity's quest for space exploration.
Victor Glover: Pilot of Artemis II
Victor Glover's journey to becoming the pilot of Artemis II is marked by an impressive blend of academic achievement, military service, and spaceflight experience. Born in Pomona, California, Glover earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He also obtained three engineering master's degrees from:
- Air University at Edwards Air Force Base
- The Naval Postgraduate School
- Air University in Montgomery, Alabama
As a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy, Glover was deployed multiple times and amassed over 3,000 flight hours across more than 40 different aircraft. His résumé includes:
- Over 400 carrier arrested landings
- 24 combat missions
Such varied flight experience provides Glover with the keen situational awareness and precision required for space missions.
Glover's first spaceflight came as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-1 mission, which launched in November 2020. During this mission, he spent 168 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), contributing to scientific investigations and participating in four spacewalks. His role as a flight engineer on Expedition 64 showcased his technical proficiency and dependability in high-stakes environments.
Selected by NASA in its 2013 astronaut class, Glover's trajectory within the space agency has been stellar. His extensive training and operational experience have prepared him well for the challenging role of Artemis II pilot. As he commented during a crew announcement:
"Artemis II is more than a mission to the moon, and it's more than a mission that has to happen before we send people to the surface of the moon. It is the next step on the journey that gets humanity to Mars."
Glover's involvement in Artemis II symbolizes a pivotal moment in space exploration for NASA and humanity as a whole. His multifaceted experience equips him well for the challenges of piloting a mission that aims to set the stage for future lunar and Martian exploration. It's about paving the way for sustainable, long-term human presence beyond Earth.
With Glover in the pilot seat, the Artemis II mission stands poised on the brink of a new era, moving us closer to the dream of interplanetary travel.
Christina Koch: Mission Specialist 1
Christina Koch's journey to becoming Mission Specialist 1 for Artemis II exemplifies a blend of intense scientific research, extraordinary engineering prowess, and groundbreaking achievements in space exploration. Raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Koch holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in engineering from North Carolina State University. Her solid educational background laid the groundwork for her to contribute meaningfully to some of NASA's most significant scientific missions.
Koch's career is highlighted by her engineering roles at:
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Here, she played a crucial role in the development of scientific instruments for multiple robotic NASA missions, including contributions to the Juno Jupiter orbiter and the Van Allen Probes. These instruments are pivotal tools that aid humanity's understanding of space.
Koch has also proven her field readiness through scientific expeditions in remote environments, such as:
- Antarctica
- Greenland
- Northern Alaska
As a research associate in the U.S. Antarctic Program and a field engineer for NOAA, she worked under some of the most extreme conditions imaginable—preparing her for the demands of space missions.
Upon completion of her astronaut training in 2015, Koch was soon assigned to a spaceflight mission that would set new records. In March 2019, Koch launched aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where she embarked on a 328-day mission. This mission was monumental for its duration, setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman1.
A standout event during Koch's mission was the first all-female spacewalk, which she conducted in October 2019 alongside fellow astronaut Jessica Meir. This historic event signified a watershed moment in breaking gender barriers in space exploration. The spacewalk further demonstrated Koch's proficiency and collaborative spirit, highlighting her significance in paving the way for gender equality in STEM fields.
As Mission Specialist 1 for Artemis II, Koch's background and experiences position her as an indispensable team member. Her responsibilities for Artemis II extend beyond being an astronaut; she is integral to the mission's scientific and operational objectives. Koch's extensive engineering background ensures she can address technical challenges that may arise, maintaining the mission's focus on safety and scientific achievement.
Her participation in Artemis II symbolizes a personal triumph and a dramatic leap forward for women in space and for humanity's continued quest to explore the cosmos. Koch's experience and demonstrated ability make her a linchpin for this historic mission.
Jeremy Hansen: Mission Specialist 2
Jeremy Hansen's journey embodies a compelling blend of military discipline, astronaut training, and the pioneering spirit of Canadian space endeavors. Hailing from London, Ontario, Hansen's academic achievements include:
- A bachelor's degree in honors space science
- A master's degree in physics from the Royal Military College of Canada
This strong educational foundation paved the way for his career in both the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Hansen's military background is robust and diverse. A colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was a fighter pilot from 2004 to 2009. His role involved flying CF-18 fighter jets, which took him to various operational theaters and provided him with the skills necessary for high-stakes environments. These experiences highlight his aerial prowess and his ability to perform under pressure—an invaluable trait for space missions.
Selected by the CSA as one of two recruits in 2009, Hansen quickly distinguished himself within the agency. Completing his astronaut training in 2011, he participated in several key preparatory missions that bolstered his readiness for spaceflight. Hansen's training included:
- Subterranean explorations through the European Space Agency's CAVES program in 2013
- An underwater mission with NASA's NEEMO program in 2014
These exercises sharpened his problem-solving abilities in isolated and challenging environments, mirroring the conditions astronauts face in space.
In 2017, Hansen achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Canadian to lead the training of astronaut candidates for NASA and the CSA2. This role underscored his expertise and leadership qualities, as well as his commitment to nurturing the next generation of astronauts.
Hansen's assignment as Mission Specialist 2 for Artemis II is a milestone for Canadian space exploration. He will become the first Canadian to travel to deep space, thanks to CSA's contributions to NASA's Artemis program, particularly the development of Canadarm3 for the Gateway space station. His responsibilities in Artemis II will involve supporting various mission objectives, contributing scientific expertise, and ensuring the mission's safety and success.
Hansen's involvement in Artemis II symbolizes more than just personal achievement; it represents the collaborative strength and potential of international space partnerships. As Hansen said:
"Our scientists, engineers, the Canadian Space Agency, the Canadian Armed Forces, all our leadership working together under a vision… have added up to this moment where a Canadian is going to the moon with our international partnership."
His statement reflects the collective efforts and aspirations of a nation, marking a historic chapter in Canada's space history.
With Hansen on board, Artemis II is propelling humanity back to the moon and extending the frontier for what is possible in space exploration, powered by a shared global vision.
The Artemis II Mission: Objectives and Significance
The Artemis II mission is a pivotal step in NASA's vision of deep space exploration. Its objectives are aimed at ensuring that humanity's journey beyond Earth is safe and sustainable. The mission will test the Orion spacecraft's life-support systems, validating that the systems designed to keep astronauts alive function optimally in space. The results will confirm the spacecraft's readiness for more extended missions, including future lunar landings.
The mission will also test the performance of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built, capable of carrying large payloads and supporting missions far beyond low Earth orbit. Its successful deployment will mark a significant milestone in NASA's ability to transport heavy equipment and human crews to distant celestial bodies.
Another objective is to validate the crew's capability to execute complex tasks in a deep-space environment, including:
- Maneuvering the spacecraft
- Conducting scientific experiments
- Maintaining systems
The 10-day journey will see the crew traveling farther from Earth than any human has ever gone, providing data on the effects of deep space on human physiology and psychology.1
Artemis II will help refine the technology and techniques needed for sustainable lunar exploration, such as the development of lunar habitats and resource utilization systems, essential for long-term missions. It serves as a precursor to Artemis III, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface.
The mission is part of NASA's broader ambitions for lunar and Mars exploration. By returning to the moon, NASA aims to establish a sustainable presence, creating a lunar gateway that can serve as a hub for missions deeper into the solar system. The moon is envisioned as a testbed for Mars, offering a closer environment to troubleshoot technologies and systems that will eventually be used for Martian expeditions.
Artemis II serves as a linchpin in NASA's Artemis program, setting the stage for an era of sustained human presence on the moon and, eventually, Mars. The mission's objectives are carefully designed to pave the way for these far-reaching goals, providing a critical foundation for the next chapters in human space exploration.
