The Upcoming Launch of Artemis

NASA’s Next Giant Leap Toward Lunar Exploration!

I remember watching the grainy television images of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the Moon back in 1969. It is curious, as I think back now, that I had the privilege to work with the space program and meet so many astronauts personally. I was quite honored to have a joint book signing with Mr. Aldrin. It was a special day for me and my wife. 

Now, having retired, I am watching with eagerness as we will once more see a rocket lifting off from the Cape. Humans yet again will ride on brilliant golden flames as they leave our Earth on their way to the Moon. It has been a lifetime, for me, to await these daring proceedings for a second time.

The Artemis program represents NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the Moon and eventually pave the way for future missions to Mars. Artemis was the sister of Apollo, so this time we will send women to the Moon. This is totally appropriate since I found women to be effectively at home in the military flight programs while I was on active duty. 

The upcoming Artemis launch is highly anticipated, as it will test new technologies, spacecraft elements, and operational procedures that are critical for sustainable lunar exploration. This mission will serve as a foundation for a long-term human presence on the Moon, aiming to land the first woman and the next men on the lunar surface. 

With the opening of the first launch window being near, February 8th, I feel both excitement and nervousness about the launch. As a kid in 1969, I did not fully understand the risks these brave astronauts and their supporting ground crews were facing. After supporting 31 space shuttles missions, I am much more aware of the dangers of spaceflight. My prayers are with everyone involved.

In preparation for this launch, NASA has collaborated with international partners and commercial industries to develop advanced systems such as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. The Artemis mission is an important milestone in space exploration, promising to expand scientific knowledge, foster global cooperation, and inspire a new generation of explorers. 

The crew will be made up of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. It is significant that a woman will be on this crew. I know how astronaut Eileen Collins faced difficulties in preparing to be the first woman to pilot and later command a space shuttle mission. The excitement to go to the Moon will be even higher for Christina. For Jeremy, the same could be said as he will be the first non-American to make this journey. Despite some recent difficulties, Canada and the United States enjoy a special relationship. To honor this, NASA made a conscious decision to include him for this unique mission.

I certainly hope that all ground crew, engineers, and managers are ensuring that safety is of the utmost importance for this historic flight to the Moon. After more than fifty years, I am eager to watch it myself, along with my wife, three children and their spouses, and six grand-children. 

What an amazing event this will be for us all, citizens of this fine planet!