Before launch, Commander Reid Wiseman said that, in hundreds of years from now, he hopes his crew is forgotten.
Because, if Artemis II is forgotten, that means the Artemis program has been successful. People are living and working on the Moon, Mars, and maybe even the moons of Saturn.
And while I also want that future, I am certain that I will never forget this crew.
Their professionalism, camaraderie, and friendship for one another is so heart-warming and wholesome - it has been joyful watching them work together, not only over this 10 day mission, but ever since their selection 3 years ago.
Their connection has almost been as inspiring as the breath-taking images they captured on Flight Day 6.
And on top of that, thanks to the modern-day access to NASA, their entire mission (bar some private medical conferences and calls with family) has been shared with the entire world.
They have inspired the entire world.
For 10 days, we have been brought along on this voyage with them. At times, while listening in to the joyous communications between Orion and Mission Control in Houston, it’s felt like we are all the fifth crew member onboard.
And while it is sad to see this mission come to an end, we can be assured that Artemis II is just the beginning.
It has started pouring the foundation for a permanent presence on the lunar surface.
It has started pouring the foundation for a future where we live and work off of our home planet.
It has started pouring the foundation for a future where we are a multi-planetary species.
We have left the cave, ventured beyond the hill, into the unknown.
And as Reid Wiseman said: if Artemis is successful, this mission, and its crew, will be forgotten.
Our journey into the stars has only just begun.
📷 @NASA
Our crew on the @Space_Station caught a glimpse of the @NASAArtemis II crew as they re-entered the atmosphere from their journey to the Moon! We first saw a bright light and a trail as the service module burned up. We didn’t see the Orion capsule itself as it re-entered, but we saw the wispy trail it left behind in the upper atmosphere. Overjoyed that our friends are safely back on Earth after their awe-inspiring mission!
BEYOND ALL REACH: Artemis II crew shares message to Earth before 40-minute blackout behind Moon’s far side.
"To all of you down there on Earth and around Earth — We love you from the Moon."
@ODOT_Statewide This one is for you! Would be nice to reduce road works from something that takes years to just a couple days lol The Dutch do it right!
https://t.co/KCaXdozG3n
🇺🇸@KLoeffler’s confirmation as Small Business Administrator underscores President Trump’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs, cutting red tape, and fueling the engine of American prosperity.
MAKE AMERICA PROSPEROUS AGAIN!