From blast off to splashdown: My days following Nasa’s historic mission to the Moon
From Launch to Lunar Return: A Week with NASA’s Historic Moon Mission
Over the past 10 days, four astronauts have etched their names into history by venturing farther into space than any humans before, completing a journey to the Moon and back. Their mission, Artemis II, marked a new chapter in space exploration, blending cutting-edge technology with human endurance.
Before their liftoff, the crew shared that astronauts are typically the most composed individuals on launch day. But I was a different story—my anticipation was uncontrollable, and when the rocket ignited its powerful engines, the moment went global. At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, I stood beside the countdown clock with my BBC News science colleagues Alison Francis and Kevin Church. The sensory overload of the launch was unforgettable—blinding white light, thunderous noise, and the force that pressed through our bodies.
Yet the most striking detail was realizing that four people were seated inside a 98-meter-tall rocket, hurtling toward the Moon. As Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen gazed down at Earth from orbit, Glover’s words carried a quiet awe:
“Planet Earth, you look beautiful.”
That moment, captured in real-time, became a symbol of the mission’s emotional depth.
Inside their capsule, the crew’s daily activities—living, working, eating, and sleeping—were confined to a space roughly equivalent to a small minivan. Privacy was a luxury they couldn’t afford, as the entire world watched their every move. The Universal Waste Management System, dubbed the ‘loo,’ received special scrutiny. This toilet, costing $23 million to develop, faced unexpected challenges with its plumbing.
During a media briefing, we uncovered the personal toll of the issue when asked about their ‘number ones and number twos.’ The answer revealed that while ‘number twos’ were manageable, ‘number ones’ relied on collapsible urine bags with funnels. At the Johnson Space Center in Houston, teams monitored every system, from navigation to life support, ensuring the mission’s success.
Approaching their lunar destination, the Moon’s surface revealed itself in stunning detail. The crew honored Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll, by naming a crater—a bright Earth-visible feature—after her. In a heartfelt gesture, they gathered to embrace their commander and friend, their voices trembling with emotion. Back in Houston, mission control was equally moved, with no one dry-eyed, including the BBC team.
Every individual at NASA, from its leader Jared Isaacman to the scientists and engineers, poured their energy into supporting the crew. Their dedication was evident in every decision made to ensure the mission’s progress. Having surpassed Apollo 13’s record for the farthest human travel, the Artemis crew continued their journey. They captured thousands of images and documented the Moon’s stark beauty, reaching 252,756 miles from Earth.
The Apollo legacy permeates this mission. Echoes of past astronauts like Charlie Duke and Jim Lovell, whose messages were recorded before his passing, linger in the mission’s narrative, reminding us of the enduring spirit of exploration.