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 Mission to the Moon

Over the past ten days, four astronauts have carved a new chapter in human space exploration, reaching farther into the cosmos than ever before. Their journey to the Moon and back has been the focus of my daily coverage, capturing the mission’s milestones from launch to the return. The experience was nothing short of electrifying, especially when the crew first looked down at Earth from the vastness of space.

A Launch Like No Other

On the day of liftoff, the astronauts remained remarkably calm, a trait often highlighted in space missions. However, my own anticipation was palpable. As the rocket roared to life and ascended toward the heavens, the moment became a global spectacle. Standing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with my BBC News science colleagues Alison Francis and Kevin Church, I felt the raw intensity of the event.

“Planet Earth, you look beautiful,” said Victor Glover, gazing at the familiar blue sphere from the capsule’s viewport.

The sight of the burning white light and the thunderous sound of the engines was a visceral reminder of humanity’s reach. Yet, the most profound realization was the fact that four individuals were strapped into a 98-meter-tall vehicle, hurtling toward the Moon. The scale of the mission felt both exhilarating and surreal.

Living in Microgravity

As the crew adapted to the weightless environment, live footage from the spacecraft revealed a space as compact as a compact minivan. Every action—eating, sleeping, even personal moments—was shared in a confined area. The lack of privacy extended beyond the astronauts, as millions of viewers around the world watched their every move.

One of the most scrutinized systems was the Universal Waste Management System, or the “loo.” This $23 million design faced challenges with its plumbing. During a media briefing, the astronauts humorously addressed the issue, explaining that “number twos” were straightforward, but “number ones” required collapsible urine bags.

Emotional Highs and Lows

Jeremy Hansen’s candid conversation during his quarantine period for the Artemis II podcast underscored the mission’s risks. He spoke of the possibility of not returning to his family, a sentiment echoed by Reid Wiseman, who had conversed with his daughters about the dangers of their journey. The emotional weight of these exchanges was palpable, especially as the Moon loomed larger in their view.

“We named a crater after my late wife, Carroll,” Reid Wiseman shared, his voice trembling. “It’s a bright spot visible from Earth, and it feels like a tribute to her courage.”

As the crew embraced their commander in tears, mission control in Houston mirrored their sentiment. No one in the room was dry-eyed, including the BBC team. Every individual involved—be it the mission’s leader Jared Isaacman or the engineers and scientists behind the scenes—exhibited unwavering support for the astronauts’ success.

A Legacy in the Stars

Breaking Apollo 13’s record for distance traveled, the Artemis II crew reached 252,756 miles from Earth, capturing thousands of images and narrating the lunar landscape’s stark beauty. The mission’s connection to Apollo’s legacy is undeniable, with messages from astronauts like Charlie Duke and Jim Lovell, recorded before the latter’s passing, serving as a poignant link to the past.