From blast off to splashdown: My days following Nasa’s historic mission to the Moon

From Blast Off to Splashdown: My Days Following NASA’s Historic Moon Mission

Over the past ten days, four astronauts have set records, venturing farther into space than ever before as they completed a journey to the Moon and back. As a reporter covering the Artemis II mission, I’ve lived every moment: from the moment of liftoff, through their lunar flyby, to the tense descent and eventual return. Before the launch, the crew had shared that astronauts are typically the calmest individuals on the day of departure. I, however, was anything but composed. My anticipation had reached a fever pitch, and when the rocket roared to life, my reaction captured global attention.

Standing beside the countdown clock at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, alongside BBC News colleagues Alison Francis and Kevin Church, was an unforgettable experience. The blinding light of the launch, the thunderous sound, and the physical force of the ascent were all overwhelming. Yet, the most profound moment was realizing that four human beings were suspended in the air, hurtling toward the Moon aboard a 98-meter-tall rocket. As Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen gazed down at Earth from orbit, Glover offered a heartfelt reflection:

“Planet Earth, you look beautiful.”

The Cramped Reality of Space Travel

As the crew adjusted to microgravity, live footage from their capsule revealed the tight quarters of their spacecraft. The living space was roughly the size of a minibus, forcing them to share every moment—personal and professional. The absence of privacy was evident, both among themselves and from the millions watching their every move. One of the most scrutinized systems was the Universal Waste Management System, or the “loo,” which had faced technical hiccups. Designed at a cost of $23 million, it struggled with basic functionality, prompting a candid discussion during a media briefing about their bathroom routines.

“It was ‘go’ for number twos, but for number ones, they deployed collapsible urine devices—essentially bags with funnels,”

a source explained, highlighting the intimacy of the astronauts’ daily challenges.

Emotional Bonds and Risk Awareness

At the Johnson Space Center in Houston, mission control became the heart of the operation, with teams monitoring everything from navigation to life support. This mission was a test flight, marking the first time humans had traveled aboard both the rocket and the spacecraft. The risks were real, and the crew’s awareness of them was deeply personal. During an interview for the Artemis II podcast while in quarantine, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen shared his thoughts:

“I spoke to my wife and children about the possibility of not coming back.”

Reid Wiseman, a single father since his wife Carroll’s passing six years ago, had also prepared his daughters for the dangers of the mission. Her memory was honored when the crew named a crater—a bright spot visible from Earth—after her. As the spacecraft neared its destination, the emotional weight of the moment struck. All four astronauts broke down in tears, embracing their commander and friend in a gesture of solidarity.

A Legacy of Courage and Achievement

Despite the challenges, the astronauts pushed forward. After surpassing Apollo 13’s record for the farthest distance traveled, they continued their journey, capturing thousands of images and documenting the Moon’s stark, awe-inspiring landscapes. Their 252,756-mile voyage was a testament to human determination. The mission’s legacy is deeply tied to Apollo’s history, as messages from retired astronauts Charlie Duke and Jim Lovell—recorded before the latter’s passing—were shared, bridging past and present.

Every person at NASA, from CEO Jared Isaacman to engineers and scientists, has shown unwavering support for the crew. Their collective hope and concern echoed through mission control, where not a single eye remained dry. The mission succeeded, but its impact extends beyond the stars, reminding us of the courage and connection that define space exploration.