Artemis II Astronauts Reflect on Historic Lunar Mission and Readjustment to Earth

The Artemis II mission, marking humanity's first crewed journey around the Moon in over five decades, concluded successfully with the Orion spacecraft's splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026. The crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—have since been reflecting on their experiences and the process of readjusting to life on Earth.

During a press conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the astronauts discussed the profound impact of their mission. Wiseman noted the overwhelming nature of the experience, stating that the crew has not yet had time to fully process the journey. Glover echoed this sentiment, mentioning that he has been avoiding social media and news to focus on personal reflection.

Koch, who became the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit, shared her initial challenges upon returning to Earth's gravity. She recounted waking up feeling as if she were still floating and being surprised when objects did not behave as they did in microgravity.

The mission also highlighted the emotional and psychological aspects of space travel. Wiseman admitted to moments where the awe-inspiring views momentarily distracted him from tasks, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in maintaining focus.

As the crew continues to readjust, they have been undergoing medical evaluations to assess their balance, vision, muscle strength, and coordination. These assessments aim to inform future missions and improve support for astronauts returning from extended periods in space.