'Trust us, you look amazing': Artemis II astronauts speak from space

The crew on board the Artemis II spoke by video link, sharing messages for their families and experiences of the trip so far.

7 April 2026 at 09:02 am

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'Trust us, you look amazing': Artemis II astronauts speak from space

The Artemis II astronauts, floating in the vast expanse of space, have recently connected with Earth via video link, sharing heartfelt messages for their families and offering glimpses into their extraordinary journey. As the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon since the Apollo era, the Artemis II mission represents a significant milestone in space exploration, and the astronauts' words from orbit provide a unique perspective on this historic voyage.

The crew, comprising Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Josh Cassada, have spent the past days navigating the lunar orbit, conducting experiments, and marveling at the breathtaking views of our planet from afar. During their video conference, each astronaut took turns addressing their loved ones, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. "I just wanted to say hi to everyone," said Glover, his smile wide as he looked into the camera. "We're doing great up here, and we're having a fantastic time."

Wiseman, the mission commander, emphasized the sense of awe and privilege the crew feels. "Looking out the window, it's just breathtaking," he shared. "The Earth is so beautiful, and the Moon is so close. It's an incredible experience." The astronauts' descriptions of their surroundings painted a vivid picture of their surroundings, with the lunar surface just a few hundred kilometers below, and the Earth's curvature stretching out into the darkness of space.

In addition to their personal messages, the crew also provided updates on the mission's progress. The Artemis II spacecraft, a modified Orion capsule, has been performing as expected, with the crew conducting a series of scientific experiments designed to test the effects of space travel on the human body and to gather data on the Moon's environment. These experiments are crucial for future manned missions to the Moon and, ultimately, Mars.

Koch, the first woman to perform a spacewalk from the International Space Station, reflected on the significance of this mission. "We're here to pave the way for the next generation of explorers," she said. "It's an honor to be part of this historic journey." Cassada, the youngest crew member, added, "Every day up here is a new adventure. We're learning so much, and it's all for the benefit of humanity."

The crew's video call also highlighted the emotional bonds between the astronauts and their families. Glover's wife, Katie, and their children appeared on screen, and the family shared laughter and tears as they connected across the vast distance. "You look amazing," Katie told her husband, beaming with pride. "We're so proud of you."

As the Artemis II mission continues, the crew's words from space serve as a reminder of the human spirit's drive to explore and discover. Their experiences in lunar orbit are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also inspiring people around the world to look up at the stars and dream of what's possible. With the crew's return to Earth scheduled for December 11, the world eagerly awaits their safe return and the wealth of data and insights they will bring back from their historic journey.

Source: BBC News

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