07 April,2026 11:03 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NASA`s ultimate Artemis II crew. PIC/NASA
The Artemis II mission is more than just a test flight - it is a major step towards returning humans to the Moon. For the first time in decades, astronauts will travel beyond the Earth-orbit and around the Moon aboard the powerful Orion spacecraft, powered by the Space Launch System.
Beyond the technology and science, the mission's four crew members bring exceptional skill, courage, and determination to this historic journey.
Commander Reid Wiseman is no stranger to space. A US Navy veteran and engineer, Wiseman previously spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting hundreds of experiments and even performing spacewalks.
But beyond his impressive career, Wiseman's personal life tells a story of resilience. Wiseman is a single father of two after his wife Carrol passed away due to cancer in 2020. He considers raising his children - especially through challenging times - as his greatest achievement. Away from the spotlight, Wiseman is someone who leans on learning and reflection. He is known to turn to books and expert insights when faced with challenges, maintaining a mindset focused on growth and adaptability.
Pilot Victor Glover has already made history as part of a previous SpaceX mission to the International Space Station. A naval aviator and test pilot, he has flown advanced fighter jets and served in both combat and peace missions.
The pilot balances the high-pressure world of spaceflight with his role as a devoted husband and father.
Glover's journey reflects determination and service. From being a student-athlete to a space explorer, he has always balanced excellence with community values. His role as pilot on Artemis II places him at the heart of navigating this complex mission.
Mission Specialist Christina Koch grew up in Michigan and North Carolina, spending summers on her family's farm. Her upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a passion for challenges, which carried her through record-breaking spaceflights, including the longest single spaceflight by a woman - 328 days - and the first all-female spacewalk.
Raised with a love for the outdoors and challenges, Koch's personality shines through her adventurous spirit. Whether it's climbing, surfing or exploring space, she thrives in demanding environments. Her journey represents how persistence and passion can redefine what's possible.
Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen represents the Canadian Space Agency, making Artemis II a truly international mission. Raised on a farm in Canada, Hansen's path to space was shaped by curiosity and discipline.
A military officer and space science graduate, he balances his professional life with a strong family connection. Known for his humility and humour, he jokes in an interview that his "superpower" is sleeping - a skill his wife will happily confirm. Hansen often credits his family's support as his strength, something he carries with him into space.
"I am pretty lucky in this job that I have the support of this family," says the only Canadian crew member.
In a touching tribute during their historic journey, the crew named a lunar crater after Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll, and also designated another crater "Integrity" to reflect the spirit of their spacecraft.
"It's a bright spot on the Moon. And we would like to call it Carroll," Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen told a live broadcast.
Together, these four astronauts reflect a blend of experience, diversity, and shared purpose. They launched from Kennedy Space Center, swung around the Moon, and are now returning after testing critical systems for future lunar missions. Their journey includes high-speed re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, bringing them back home after pushing the boundaries of exploration.
As the crew prepared to leave Earth behind, they remind us that space exploration is not just about rockets and technology - or just about its four-member crew - it's about families ready to support, people willing to take risks, explore the unknown and expand what humanity can achieve together.
