Artemis II Astronauts Name Moon Crater After Carroll, Reid Wiseman’s Late Wife

The Artemis II astronauts have named a lunar crater after Carroll Wiseman, the late wife of mission specialist Reid Wiseman, in a poignant tribute during their historic mission. The naming ceremony took place as the crew shared an emotional moment with mission control and the family of Reid Wiseman, who is aboard the Orion spacecraft. Carroll Wiseman, who passed away in 2020 due to cancer, was a beloved figure in the astronaut community, and her name will now be forever etched on the lunar surface.

Reid Wiseman, a veteran astronaut with extensive experience in space, has been a key member of the Artemis II mission, which marks a significant step in NASA's plan to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable presence there. The mission, which launched in November 2022, is the first crewed flight to orbit the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. As the crew prepared for their journey, the Wiseman family faced the challenge of navigating the loss of Carroll, who had been a constant source of support and inspiration for Reid throughout his career.

The decision to name the lunar crater after Carroll Wiseman was made in collaboration with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) team, which has been meticulously mapping the Moon's surface for over a decade. The crater, located in the Mare Tranquillitatis region, was chosen for its significance and visibility, ensuring that Carroll's name will be remembered across the lunar landscape. The naming process involved a rigorous review to ensure that the chosen location was appropriate and did not conflict with any existing names.

The emotional moment occurred during a routine communication session between the Artemis II crew and mission control. Reid Wiseman, visibly moved, shared the news of the crater's naming with his family and the broader public. The crew's emotional connection to the mission was palpable, as they honored Carroll's memory and her enduring impact on Reid's life. The family of Carroll Wiseman, who were present in Houston, expressed their gratitude for this heartfelt gesture and the opportunity to connect with the astronauts in space.

Carroll Wiseman's legacy extends beyond her personal life, as she was deeply involved in supporting her husband's career and the broader astronaut community. Her passion for space exploration and her unwavering support for Reid's work inspired many, and her name on the Moon serves as a poignant reminder of her influence. The naming of the lunar crater is not only a tribute to Carroll Wiseman but also a testament to the resilience and strength of those who support astronauts in their quest to explore the cosmos.

As the Artemis II mission continues, the crew's connection to Earth remains strong, with regular communications and updates shared with the public. The naming of the lunar crater after Carroll Wiseman is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and dedication that underpin the success of space missions. It is a moment that highlights the human element at the heart of space exploration, and it will be remembered as a significant part of the Artemis II journey. The Wiseman family, along with the broader astronaut community, will cherish this tribute to Carroll Wiseman, whose memory will now be forever engraved on the lunar surface.