For the first time in over 50 years, four humans are heading to the Moon. Meet the diverse and experienced crew of Artemis 2—the pioneers of the Artemis Generation.
Artemis 2: Crew Launch Countdown
The first crewed flight of the Orion Spacecraft
CREW STATUS: PRE-FLIGHT QUARANTINE
The Pioneers of Artemis 2
The Artemis 2 mission marks a historic leap in human spaceflight. This crew of four will be the first to ride the Space Launch System (SLS) and test the Orion spacecraft's life support systems in the harsh environment of deep space.
Unlike the Apollo missions, the Artemis crew reflects the diversity of modern exploration, including the first woman, the first person of color, and the first international astronaut to travel to the vicinity of the Moon.
Meet the Crew Members
Reid Wiseman – Commander (NASA)
A decorated U.S. Navy captain and experienced astronaut, Reid Wiseman leads the Artemis 2 mission. Wiseman previously spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014. As the former Chief of the Astronaut Office, his leadership is critical for this high-stakes flight test.
- Role: Mission Commander.
- Experience: 1,600+ hours in space, extensive naval flight experience.
Victor Glover – Pilot (NASA)
Victor Glover will serve as the pilot for Orion. Glover is known for his role as the pilot of the SpaceX Crew-1 mission in 2020. With this mission, he will become the first person of color to leave Earth's orbit and travel to the Moon.
- Role: Pilot.
- Notable Achievement: First Black astronaut to complete a long-duration stay on the ISS.
Christina Hammock Koch – Mission Specialist (NASA)
An electrical engineer and record-breaker, Christina Koch holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days). She has completed six spacewalks and will now make history as the first woman to travel to the Moon.
- Role: Mission Specialist 1.
- Expertise: Space hardware development and remote scientific research in Antarctica.
Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist (CSA)
Representing the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Jeremy Hansen is a colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He will be the first non-American to venture beyond Earth's orbit. His inclusion highlights the international cooperation that defines the Artemis program.
- Role: Mission Specialist 2.
- Background: Combat flight instructor and expert in lunar geology training.
Mission Objectives and Training
The crew's primary goal is to verify that Orion is safe for future human landings. Their 10-day journey involves a "free-return trajectory," where Earth’s gravity naturally pulls the spacecraft back after looping around the Moon.
Intense Training Regimen
For over two years, the crew has undergone rigorous training, including:
- Water Egress: Practicing how to exit the Orion capsule after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.
- Geology Training: Exploring impact craters on Earth (like those in Iceland and Labrador) to prepare for visual observations of the lunar surface.
- Simulation Runs: Spending hundreds of hours in high-fidelity simulators to practice everything from launch aborts to manual docking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who will land on the Moon during Artemis 2?
No one will land during Artemis 2. This is a "flyby" mission to test the systems. The first human landing since 1972 is scheduled for Artemis 3.
How was the Artemis 2 crew selected?
The crew was selected based on a combination of technical expertise, flight experience, and leadership. The inclusion of a Canadian astronaut is part of a treaty between NASA and the CSA in exchange for Canada’s contribution of the Canadarm3 to the Lunar Gateway.
What will the crew eat in space?
The crew will utilize Orion’s mini-galley. Their menu includes a mix of rehydratable meals and vacuum-sealed snacks, designed to provide the high caloric intake needed for the stress of deep space flight.
Is there a backup crew?
Yes. Jenni Gibbons (CSA) is the backup for Jeremy Hansen, while Andre Douglas (NASA) serves as the backup for the NASA astronauts. They train alongside the primary crew to step in if needed.
Building the Future: Beyond Artemis 2
While the Artemis 2 crew paves the way, NASA is already looking toward Artemis 3 and 4. Future crews will include a wider rotation of international partners, including astronauts from the ESA (Europe) and JAXA (Japan), as we begin to build the Lunar Gateway and a permanent base on the Moon.