First woman and black man to go on NASA moon mission
NASA is preparing for another historical moon mission.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA have announced they will be sending four astronauts on the Artemis II.
READ: Patron spends R182k on alcohol during night out
Their mission? To become the first crewed mission around the Moon to start establishing a path toward a long-term presence on the Moon.
The Artemis II crew represents thousands of people working tirelessly to bring us to the stars. This is their crew, this is our crew, this is humanity's crew. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Hammock Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, each has their own story, but, together, they represent our creed: E pluribus unum – out of many, one. Together, we are ushering in a new era of exploration for a new generation of star sailors and dreamers – the Artemis Generation.”
READ: Meet the two Matric boys who made a 100km unassisted run over the Traverse
The crew members include Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist 1 Christina Hammock Koch, and Mission Specialist 2 Jeremy Hansen.
What makes this mission even more special is the fact that Christina Hammock Koch and Victor Glover will be making history in a very important way. Koch will be the first female, while Glover will be the first black man to be included in such a mission.
READ: Trump Charges: Hush money paid to porn star, model, and doorman
The 10-day Artemis II mission will have the team executing many ambitious demonstrations during the flight, which include a launch on the agency’s powerful Space Launch System rocket, proving the Orion spacecraft’s life-support systems, and validating the capabilities and techniques needed for humans to live and work in deep space.
For the first time in more than 50 years, these individuals – the Artemis II crew – will be the first humans to fly to the vicinity of the Moon. Among the crew are the first woman, first person of color, and first Canadian on a lunar mission, and all four astronauts will represent the best of humanity as they explore for the benefit of all. This mission paves the way for the expansion of human deep space exploration and presents new opportunities for scientific discoveries, commercial, industry and academic partnerships and the Artemis Generation.
The launch will take place in December 2023.
You can get the full details and "meet" the crew here: NASA Artemis II crew list
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 - 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.