NASA Astronauts, Including NC State Alum Christina Koch, Set to Return to the Moon After 50 Years
In a monumental endeavor, NASA is preparing for a historic return to the moon after a hiatus of 50 years. Among the esteemed crew members is Christina Koch, an alumna of NC State University, who is set to embark on this extraordinary journey. With just 19 months left until liftoff, the anticipation and excitement surrounding this mission are palpable.
The crew recently spent a week off the coast of San Diego, meticulously preparing for their return to Earth. Artemis II commander, Reid Wiseman, expressed his admiration for the service members involved in their training, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and commitment to the mission. “Everyone is there for a mission, purpose, and to assist, and they’re ready to throw their lives on any problem to get the mission accomplished,” he stated.
Wiseman and Koch are part of a four-person crew that will be venturing to the moon. While the Artemis project primarily focuses on sustainable living and establishing a presence on the lunar surface, its ultimate goal is to pave the way for human life on Mars. Koch emphasized the importance of building upon the knowledge gained from this mission, delving deeper into the mysteries of the universe. “What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe? How did we all get here?” she pondered.
Scheduled for 2025, the 10-day, 685,000-mile journey around the moon will culminate with the Orion Capsule splashing down near Catalina Island and San Clemente. The success of this mission hinges on swiftly transferring the astronauts from the capsule to a waiting helicopter, followed by a thorough medical evaluation, all within a two-hour window. The training they have undergone has been instrumental in preparing them for such scenarios.
During a practice run, the crew encountered a problem that required quick thinking and precision. Wiseman recounted the experience, explaining, “For a while, we were under the rotor wash waiting for a successful hookup. We were watching all the potential things. Then you watch sailors fall back on training and do things with precision.” This incident highlights the importance of rigorous training and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Navy Captain David Walton, commanding officer of the USS San Diego, emphasized the significance of this training not only for the astronauts but also for the Navy. He stated that the techniques and procedures developed during this mission will be invaluable in future capsule recoveries.
Victor Glover, a native of Pomona, California, is set to fulfill his childhood dream as the pilot of the Orion space capsule. Reflecting on the mission, Glover expressed his passion for exploration and innovation. “We have a mission to explore the unknown in space and innovate for humanity and inspire the world through discovery,” he proclaimed.
Once the astronauts return from their groundbreaking journey, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida will take possession of the capsule. The data and components collected during this mission will be crucial for future expeditions, propelling NASA’s quest for further space exploration.
With September 2025 as the target date for the Artemis II crewed mission around the moon, NASA is on track to make history once again. As the countdown continues, the world eagerly awaits this momentous event that will undoubtedly expand our understanding of the universe and push the boundaries of human exploration.