After completing a historic 406,771-kilometer journey around the moon, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch are set to discuss their experiences with the public. The four astronauts will be answering questions from the media at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, at 2:30 p.m. ET today, with CBC.ca broadcasting the news conference live.
Since their return from Earth last Friday, the astronauts have undergone medical evaluations and mission debriefings. They have also been joyfully reunited with their families, receiving warm receptions from supporters. Victor Glover was greeted by cheering neighbors in League City, Texas, who lined the sidewalks with flags and signs. Meanwhile, Christina Koch received an emotional welcome from her dog, Sadie.
On Saturday, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman welcomed the astronauts, along with hundreds of VIP guests, at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston. The event was emotional for the crew members who had trained together for years and spent 10 days in a capsule the size of a small van.
Reflecting on their journey, astronaut Reid Wiseman expressed deep gratitude for the shared experience, emphasizing the unique bond forged during the mission. The crew members acknowledged the challenges of being away from home, highlighting the significance of human connection and the beauty of Earth.
Upon their return, the astronauts resumed their duties, with Jeremy Hansen participating in a simulated lunar surface walk while wearing a lunar spacesuit. Additionally, Hansen announced the winner of the Aqualunar Challenge, a competition aimed at developing water purification solutions for the moon. The $400,000 prize was awarded to the Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation.
NASA is gearing up for expedited Artemis missions, aiming to establish a lunar base. The Artemis II crew members expressed gratitude for their involvement in the mission, emphasizing the collective effort that made it possible. They encouraged the audience to see themselves reflected in their achievements, underscoring the collaborative nature of space exploration.