NASA Commander Reid Wiseman stated that the Artemis II crew, after their 10-day mission around the far side of the moon, are "bonded forever." The four astronauts, Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, returned to Earth in Houston, having broken the record for the farthest humans have traveled from our planet.
Wiseman described the experience as the "greatest dream on Earth" but also acknowledged the desire to return to family and friends when over 200,000 miles away. "It’s a special thing to be a human and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth," he said.
Victor Glover, a Navy test pilot, expressed gratitude, admitting he hadn't yet processed the magnitude of their journey. Mission specialist Christina Koch reflected on the starkness of space compared to Earth, describing our planet as a "lifeboat hanging undisturbingly in the universe."
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, the first non-American to orbit the moon, spoke of the "lot of joy" and meaningful contribution experienced by the crew. Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell highlighted Canada's dedication to space research and the crew's embodiment of teamwork.
U.S. Congressman Brian Babin referenced President Donald Trump's vision for lunar exploration, emphasizing the Artemis mission as a critical step toward returning Americans to the moon in 2028.