The Apollo era may be long past, but a new chapter has begun in human space exploration. The Artemis II mission marked a pivotal moment, with four astronauts embarking on a historic journey to the Moon and back again. BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle was there every step of the way, documenting her 10-day odyssey as the crew's experiences unfolded.
At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Morelle witnessed firsthand the launch that left an indelible mark on her own psyche. The sheer force of the rocket's power – a blinding light and deafening roar that seemed almost overwhelming – was a sight she won't soon forget. Despite the astronauts' reported calm, Morelle confessed to feeling an electric sense of excitement as the crew blasted off into the unknown.
Once in space, the crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen provided live video streams that offered a rare glimpse into their confined conditions. Their living quarters were akin to a minibus, with no respite from each other or the millions of global observers. The Universal Waste Management System – affectionately dubbed the toilet – proved an unexpected source of intrigue, its £18 million design cost (equivalent to $23 million) notwithstanding. Plumbing issues did arise, necessitating the deployment of contingency urine devices for, ahem, 'number ones'.
Morelle's time at the Johnson Space Center in Houston offered a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution that underpins such missions. The mission control teams were on high alert, monitoring every aspect of the spacecraft systems as they navigated uncharted territory. It was a sobering reminder that Artemis II was, after all, a test flight – one fraught with risks and uncertainties.
One moment stood out for its poignancy: as the crew approached the Moon, they collectively decided to name a prominent crater in honour of Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. The emotional tribute brought tears to the eyes of the crew, as well as those watching from mission control – including the BBC team.