Meet the four astronauts who just circled the Moon
They are the faces behind one of the most historic space missions in decades — four astronauts who have just flown around the Moon and are now heading back to Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft under the Artemis II programme.
At the helm is Reid Wiseman, a former U.S. Navy test pilot trusted with commanding the mission, bringing with him experience from the International Space Station and a reputation for steady leadership under pressure.
Beside him is pilot Victor Glover, a seasoned naval aviator who already made history as the first Black astronaut assigned to a lunar mission, now helping steer humanity’s return to deep space.
Handling critical systems is Christina Koch, an engineer who once spent nearly a full year in orbit — the longest single spaceflight by a woman — and is now part of another historic first as one of the pioneers of modern lunar exploration.
Completing the team is Jeremy Hansen, a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot making his first trip to space and becoming the first Canadian ever to travel to the Moon, symbolising the global nature of this mission.
Together, this crew represents more than just technical expertise — they embody a new era of space exploration defined by experience, diversity, and international partnership, as humanity takes its next bold steps beyond Earth.
Artemis II vs Orion
Artemis II → the mission that carried humans around the Moon
Orion → the spacecraft bringing them safely back to Earth
In simple terms: Artemis II is the journey. Orion is the vehicle.
