From rocket launches to reposts
When NASA launched the Artemis II mission into space, not only was a team of astronauts being sent around the moon for the first time in over 50 years, but it became a huge cultural moment that had lots of people tuning in across social media.
The 10-day mission included four astronauts, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen, being flown around the moon and back to Earth in the Orion spacecraft.
Not only was the trip successful, but records were set for fastest human spaceflight and farthest distance from Earth. This win marks a crucial step toward future moon landings and even trips to Mars.
Along with making NASA history, the astronauts quickly became beloved online as they shared their small space with the world on the way to the moon. Unlike the Apollo era, Artemis II unfolded in real time for audiences which made space exploration an experience for everyone.
Clips of the group floating around inside the spacecraft quickly took over the media. Pictures of the Earth, the moon and the lunar eclipse they experienced were trending immediately.
Specifically, the picture of Koch looking out the window at the Earth with her braids floating in the zero-gravity space was very meaningful due to her being the first woman to travel beyond Earth’s orbit and around the moon. She is inspiring a new generation of female astronauts and encouraging girls everywhere to follow their dreams.
The crew participated in many live video calls aboard the Orion sharing their experiences like seeing Earth from a distance for the first time and answering real time questions. One standout moment included a jar of Nutella floating through the small spacecraft which some have been calling it the “best free ad ever.”
“Honored to have traveled further than any spread in history. Taking spreading smiles to new heights,” Nutella wrote on social media.
An emotional moment was captured on livestream when the crew announced their reason for naming a crater on the moon after Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll Wiseman. The four astronauts put their arms around each other and embraced, Koch and Wiseman wiping tears from their eyes.
“A number of years ago, we started this journey in our close-knit astronaut family, and we lost a loved one … her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie,” Hansen said. “It’s a bright spot on the moon. And we would like to call it ‘Carroll.’”
The astronauts became quickly beloved by social media, fans making edits of the crew and expressing their admiration for all the work they do. With Artemis II, NASA has proven that even space missions can go viral.