NASA Artemis II Astronauts Complete Historic 10-Day Moon Flyby, Splash Down in Pacific

After a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon, the four astronauts on NASA’s Artemis II mission are set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean late on Friday.n.  The historic mission, which set a record during its lunar flyby for how far humans have ventured into space, was a significant step towards a return to the Moon's surface for the first time since 1972 – as well as laying the foundation for future space exploration.  The UN’s advocate for space, internationally acclaimed physicist, author and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox told the UN: “It’s not just about exploration anymore, it’s about making everybody’s life better.”  The Artemis programme aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, explore the lunar South Pole, and test technologies for future crewed missions to Mars. “As we move out into space, the thing to remember is that we are not escaping the planet, and the planet is not becoming less important...we are doing it to enhance our lives on this planet,” Prof. Cox said, emphasising that Earth is the best planet in the universe for us because it’s where we evolved.  As the United Nations marks this historic milestone on the International Day of Human Space Flight, the UN’s Champion for Space, Professor Brian Cox, wants to show the world that “space is no longer science fiction,” but rather an “important part of all our lives and our economy.” Space technology has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges facing our planet; these include climate change, disaster management and sustainable development. “More and more of the things we take for granted here on Earth are becoming part of the space-based economy,” Prof. Satellite imagery gives us a clearer view of the challenges we face on Earth, such as monitoring crop yields, managing water resources, and tracking deforestation in real time. Meanwhile, satellite connectivity can bridge the data divide by supporting e-learning for isolated schools or enabling telemedicine in remote areas. “It’s not just about exploration anymore; it’s about making everybody’s life better,” he continued. The Champion for Space wants to share his passion for space with the world, reminding us that space ‘belongs to everyone.’ Prof. Cox shines a spotlight on the role of the UN beyond the stratosphere as a convenor, a gateway to space, and a capacity-builder for nations to peacefully explore and use space. “Space brings people together because there are no borders there,” he said. UNOOSA, the UN body for promoting international cooperation in outer space, provides a platform for consensus-building among Member States, including over potentially thorny issues, such as lunar cooperation, space traffic, space resources, and planetary defence. “There has always been an idealism to space, but it’s not a naïve idealism,” Prof. He recalls in particular the 1975 Apollo–Soyuz Mission, a major moment of scientific and political cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the first time a spacecraft of two nations docked together in orbit. “It was unthinkable that the United States and the Soviet Union, as it then was, would collaborate to dock in space, and develop technologies for collaboration that we are still using today,” he said A UN flag was among the items exchanged between the astronauts to recognise all humankind’s achievements in space.  “Ensuring everybody can contribute and benefit ultimately makes our voyage outwards into space easier,” says Prof.

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