Contents
Reid Wiseman: Commander
Reid Wiseman, from Baltimore, Maryland, brings a wealth of experience to his role as commander for Artemis II. With degrees in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Johns Hopkins University, he combines academic rigor with practical skills.
Wiseman was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1999 and has seen action as a fighter pilot, leading deployments to the Middle East. Selected by NASA in 2009, Wiseman served a 165-day tenure on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014, contributing to Expedition 40 and 41. He also served as the chief of the astronaut office from December 2020 to November 2022, gaining insights into astronaut training and mission planning.
In Artemis II, Wiseman will oversee a flight test of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket, flying a figure-eight around the Moon during a 10-day mission. His expertise ensures the mission will proceed smoothly through its complex objectives.
Victor Glover: Pilot
Victor Glover, from Pomona, California, steps into the crucial role of pilot for Artemis II. He holds degrees in engineering from California Polytechnic State University, Air University, and the Naval Postgraduate School. Glover's aviation journey began with the U.S. Navy, where he served as a fighter pilot, logging more than 3,000 flight hours across 40 different aircraft.
Selected by NASA in 2013, Glover first ventured into space as the pilot of SpaceX's Crew-1 mission in November 2020, marking the first operational commercial crewed mission to the ISS. He spent 168 days in space, contributing to scientific investigations and technology demonstrations.
In Artemis II, Glover will be responsible for launch and landing operations, as well as in-flight maneuvering of the Orion spacecraft during the 10-day mission around the far side of the Moon. His role transcends technical responsibilities, as he also serves as an inspiring figure for aspiring astronauts from diverse backgrounds.
Christina Koch: Mission Specialist
Christina Koch, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, holds degrees in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University. Before her astronaut career, she made significant contributions at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, working on missions such as Juno and the Van Allen Probes.
Selected by NASA in 2013, Koch's astronaut training prepared her for her groundbreaking spaceflight aboard the ISS. Her mission, starting in March 2019, extended for an unprecedented 328 days, making her the woman with the longest single space mission1. She also participated in the first all-female spacewalk with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir.
As a Mission Specialist for Artemis II, Koch's expertise will be essential in operating and managing the scientific experiments and systems aboard the Orion spacecraft. Her extensive experience and ability to handle long-duration spaceflights make her an invaluable asset to the mission.
Jeremy Hansen: Mission Specialist
Jeremy Hansen, born in London, Ontario, holds degrees in Space Science and Physics from the Royal Military College of Canada. Prior to joining the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2009, Hansen served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, amassing extensive flying experience.
Hansen's journey at CSA has been marked by notable contributions, including becoming the first Canadian to train astronaut candidates at NASA in 2017. His extensive work in training, development, and mission planning has been crucial in preparing future generations of astronauts.
As a Mission Specialist for Artemis II, Hansen becomes the first non-American to venture beyond Earth orbit. His responsibilities encompass the operation of advanced scientific instruments and systems aboard the Orion spacecraft, as well as the execution of experiments critical to the mission's objectives. Hansen's participation underscores the value of international collaboration in space exploration.
Artemis II Mission Overview
Artemis II is a landmark mission in NASA's Artemis program, aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon and setting the groundwork for missions to Mars. The primary objective is to validate the performance of the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket under crewed conditions.
The mission will carry a crew of four astronauts on a roughly 10-day journey, orbiting the Moon and conducting vital tests to ensure the safety and readiness of NASA's systems for future lunar landings. Orion, equipped with advanced life-support systems and enhanced navigation and communication technologies, will be propelled by the powerful SLS rocket.
During the mission, the crew will:
- Perform systems checks
- Conduct experiments
- Potentially simulate elements of future missions
The trajectory, known as a "hybrid free return," allows Orion to loop around the far side of the Moon before returning to Earth.
Artemis II symbolizes a new era of space exploration characterized by inclusivity and international collaboration. It advances the goals outlined in NASA's broader Artemis program, paving the way for future lunar landings and inspiring generations to come.
Training and Preparation for Artemis II
The preparation for Artemis II is exhaustive and thorough, designed to ensure that the crew can handle the mission's intricacies and unforeseen challenges with precision and confidence. This training bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping the astronauts with the skills needed to safely and effectively execute the mission's objectives.
Advanced simulations replicate the various phases of the Artemis II mission, from launch to lunar orbit and back. The crew spends hours in high-fidelity mockups of the Orion spacecraft, familiarizing themselves with its systems, controls, and emergency protocols. The simulations include scenarios ranging from nominal operations to contingency situations, ensuring the astronauts can respond to any anomalies or emergencies that may arise.
Training focused on Orion's life-support systems is particularly critical. The crew undertakes rigorous exercises to understand and manage these systems, simulating different environmental conditions to ensure they can maintain a safe and stable atmosphere inside the spacecraft.
Interpersonal skills are also polished during this preparatory period. Living in a confined space for an extended mission requires not only individual technical proficiency but also the ability to work seamlessly as a team. Team-building exercises and communication drills help strengthen the crew's ability to make swift, cooperative decisions under pressure. Addressing the psychological aspects of space travel, such as confinement and long-duration isolation, is also a significant focus, with astronauts undergoing mental resilience training and stress management sessions.
Ascent training covers prelaunch operations around the launch pad and prepares the crew for major milestones leading up to launch and the first few hours in orbit. Once in orbit, the crew will need to transition smoothly to the coasting phase, during which they'll conduct mission activities and science experiments. Training for this phase includes practicing the execution of complex scientific tasks and monitoring of the spacecraft systems.
The mission's lunar orbit phase brings its own set of challenges, particularly the "hybrid free return" trajectory designed to slingshot the Orion spacecraft around the Moon and back to Earth. Simulated orbits and maneuvers in virtual settings help the crew master these intricate procedures.
Given the potential complications of deep space communication, the crew undergoes extensive training on the operation of Orion's advanced communication systems. This includes maintaining contact with Mission Control and other entities, as well as dealing with delays and potential communication blackouts.
Recovery training covers entry operations and different post-splashdown scenarios. The crew practices how to monitor and execute reentry operations, communicate with recovery teams, and handle various situations upon splashdown until they are safely retrieved from the Pacific Ocean.
NASA also prepares the crew for potential docking operations with future lunar outposts or the Gateway lunar station. Although Artemis II won't include a docking maneuver, simulating this task helps build skills that will be essential for Artemis missions aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
The training regimen for Artemis II blends advanced technology, strategic planning, and human factors engineering to ensure that the astronauts are technically proficient and mentally prepared for the extraordinary journey ahead. This thorough training underscores the mission's commitment to safety, effectiveness, and the broader goals of human space exploration.
