Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, the four astronauts of the Artemis II mission crew, spoke about the space journey they took toward the Moon during a press conference.
The event was streamed live this Saturday, the 11th, on NASA’s YouTube channel. In addition to thanking families and agency staff, the four spoke briefly about the experience.
Reid was the first to speak: “We are united forever. No one here will ever know what the four of us went through together. And it was the most special thing that has ever happened in my life.”
Victor followed. “I would like to thank our leadership. And it has changed since we arrived here, in April 2023, but the quality hasn’t. And we are lucky to be at this agency [NASA] at this moment, and together,” he said.
Christina reflected on her view of space: “What impressed me wasn’t necessarily just the Earth, it was all the darkness around it. The Earth was just a lifeboat sailing through the universe undisturbed.”
Jeremy closed the opening remarks: “When you look at us here, you aren’t looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see, then look a little closer. That is you.”
There were also moments of humor, such as when Reid said he intended to eat at a fast-food chain soon, or when Jeremy teased that it had been a long time since he had gotten so far from Wiseman, as they stood on opposite sides of the stage. The colleague stood up and sat down beside him.
