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 10 days, four astronauts have etched their names into history by venturing farther into space than any humans have before, completing a journey to the Moon and back. As a journalist covering the Artemis II mission, I’ve witnessed the entire process—starting with the launch, moving through the lunar flyby, and ending with the heart-pounding descent. The crew’s calm demeanor on launch day contrasted sharply with my own, as I struggled to contain my exhilaration. The moment the rocket ignited its engines and ascended, my reaction became a global sensation.
The Launch Experience
Standing by the countdown clock at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, alongside BBC News colleagues Alison Francis and Kevin Church, was an immersive experience. The blinding white light, the thunderous roar, and the force of the blast created a sensory overload that left no room for distraction. Yet, what struck me most was the reality of four human beings suspended in the towering 98m rocket, hurtling toward the Moon. Their presence, so small yet so significant, underscored the magnitude of what was unfolding.
Inside the Capsule
As the crew adapted to microgravity, live footage from within their spacecraft revealed a tightly packed environment. The capsule, roughly the size of a minibus, became their temporary home, where every moment was shared. Privacy was a luxury they couldn’t afford, not just from each other but from the millions of spectators tuning in worldwide. Among the challenges they faced, the Universal Waste Management System—rebranded as the “loo”—stood out. Designed at a cost of $23m, it had plumbing issues that tested their resilience.
Intimate Details of the Mission
During a media briefing, the crew’s struggles with the toilet were laid bare. When asked about their “number one and number two” status, it was revealed that while “number twos” were approved, “number ones” relied on collapsible urine collection devices. These were essentially bags with funnels, a stark reminder of the ingenuity required to sustain life in space. In Houston, mission control operated as the mission’s command center, monitoring systems from navigation to life support with unwavering focus.
Emotional Moments
One of the most touching scenes emerged as the crew approached the Moon. A crater, visible from Earth, was named in honor of Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll. The moment the name was announced, the team broke down in tears, embracing their commander and friend. Back in Houston, mission control was equally moved, with no one remaining dry-eyed. This shared vulnerability highlighted the deep connection between the astronauts and the team supporting them.
The Legacy of Apollo
The mission carried the spirit of Apollo, a legacy that resonates through every step. The astronauts’ achievements surpassed Apollo 13’s record for distance, reaching 252,756 miles from Earth. Their documentation of the Moon’s stark landscapes, captured through thousands of images and audio logs, paid homage to the pioneers who came before. Messages from Apollo astronauts Charlie Duke and Jim Lovell, recorded prior to the latter’s passing, added a poignant layer to the mission’s narrative.
