Mission astronauts Artemis II: "The experience has been unrepeatable, too great."

NASA's Artemis II mission crew has returned to Earth after completing a historic 10-day trip around the Moon. Four astronauts have stressed that it has been "an unrepeatable experience, too big for a single body." They believe it has left their journeys "forever united." 

The three NASA astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch — and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency sailed yesterday in the Pacific Ocean and were taken to Houston for medical examinations, after which they received a massive welcome at the Johnson Space Center and were able to meet family members for the first time since the mission began.

In his first public statements after his return, Mission Commander Reid Wiseman has described the trip as extraordinary: "We have been united forever, and those who have been on Earth will never know what we have been through; it has been the most special thing that will happen to me in life." But he has also recalled the difficulties: "Before the launch, it seemed like the greatest dream in the world, and when you were there, we just wanted to go back with family and friends."

Specialist Christina Koch , who has also highlighted the cohesion of the group, has said that "the crew is a team that is always present, no matter what happens (...) unable to be separated by a beautiful and loyal bond." Excited, the astronaut has run out of words at one point in his appearance.

Victor Glover has acknowledged that he has not yet assimilated the magnitude of what he has done. "Trying to describe what he has experienced is a challenge, but beyond that, I am grateful for what we have seen, for what we have done and for being with my colleagues. It is too big for a single body," he said.

In similar terms, Jeremy Hansenhas said, "What you've seen is a group of people who enjoyed contributing (...) We're a mirror that reflects you, and if you like what you see, look a little further. This is your reflection."