Alabama’s role in NASA’s return to deep space took center stage this week as U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) spoke with the Artemis II crew ahead of their planned return to Earth, highlighting contributions from Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Britt joined NASA leadership and fellow lawmakers to communicate with the four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft as the mission neared completion. Artemis II marks the first crewed deep space flight since 1972, with a lunar fly-by set to conclude upon re-entry.
During the call, Britt emphasized the significance of the mission and invited the astronauts to share messages with their families and the next generation of explorers.
“Hey everyone! I know how proud we are in Alabama of the role that Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville has played in this incredible mission. So, I can’t even imagine how unbelievably proud your families are of you and how excited they are to see you soon and to welcome you back to Earth. So, instead of a question, I want to let each of you just take the next minute to publicly address your children and the next generation of space explorers as (this) history-making space flight mission enters its final hours. So, thank you so much for your incredible service and your example.”
Astronauts responded with personal reflections directed to their children and loved ones.
Wiseman responded, “Well, I thank you very much for this question … I just want to look at my daughters Ellie and Katey and just say I love you and their support has been unbelievable. I don’t think they knew what this mission really meant when we launched, but they have learned through the outpouring of public support, their friend’s support and family’s support. Really, the world has come together. We have seen it and we have seen it through their eyes too. And it has been a very proud moment for me as their father to see the joy in their expression and the way they email and communicate when we have private conferences.”
Hansen responded, “For my three children, Devon, Ashley and Kaitlin, you know, I think it’s worth pointing out I learn as much, maybe more from you than you learn from me. But the one thing I would remind you, and I think is worth reminding ourselves and other youth is that all you have to do on any given day is just get up and do your best and try to find joy in your day and try to contribute in a meaningful and positive way. And that’s it. And I think we as humans, we put too much pressure on ourselves, looking for perfection. And, if you look at what we’re doing out here, it is far from perfection, but we are getting it done.”
Glover responded, “Genesis, Maya, Joia and Corinne, as we are on our way back from this dream of a mission, your mom and I look forward to supporting you, chasing and catching your own dreams. We spent years coaching you, but we are very much in that transition to being cheerleaders and just rooting for you in life. And to the future citizens out there, the same sentiment applies. I hope this mission is giving you something that you can take and put in your pocket, or in your heart and mind that you keep with you, but it’s not because we want you to see what we’ve tried to show you. It’s because we want you to take this and build a vocabulary to explain the world to us.”
Koch responded, “I’ll take this second to say something to my nine nieces and nephews, which is I love you and thank you for the amazing letters you wrote me, the amazing pictures you drew me. You had beautiful Earths and rockets, and they truly touched my mission, and I feel like you’re here with me.”
Following the call, Britt praised NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and its workforce.
“This historic Artemis II mission is a remarkable feat of mankind made possible by decades of Alabama grit and ingenuity. As our nation reflects on this extraordinary accomplishment, I’m especially proud to highlight the men and women of Marshall Space Flight Center,” Sen. Britt said.
“It was an honor to thank the Artemis II crew today for their leadership and contributions to the future of space exploration, but it also reminded me of the work happening every day in Huntsville to execute this mission. I couldn’t be prouder to support Marshall’s space programs, and I’m deeply grateful for every single individual who played a role in making this journey a reality. Because of their efforts, America is leading the way back to the Moon and then to Mars.”
Marshall Space Flight Center has played a central role in developing NASA’s human spaceflight rockets, including the Space Launch System used for Artemis II, while also supporting real-time mission operations throughout the 10-day flight.
Britt has advocated for continued funding for Marshall-led programs, including the Space Launch System, Human Landing System, and nuclear propulsion initiatives, securing billions in federal support through recent appropriations measures.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
