Artemis II pilot thanks NASA for letting him fly Orion by hand: 'I'm still blown away by that trust'

NASA's Artemis II Mission Crew Honors Space Agency and Contractors

In a heartfelt gesture, the Artemis II crew expressed their gratitude to NASA and its contractors at a special event held on August 3, 2026, at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. The ceremony, which drew a crowd of over 8,000 people, was a testament to the crew's appreciation for the tireless efforts of the space agency and its partners. The Artemis II mission, a historic milestone in space exploration, marked the first crewed flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft.

During the ceremony, the crew members took turns thanking NASA and its contractors for their dedication and expertise in making the mission a success. The crew's words of appreciation highlighted the crucial role that the space agency and its partners played in overcoming the challenges and complexities of the mission. The event also served as a celebration of the Artemis II mission's achievements, which have paved the way for future human exploration of the lunar surface. By honoring the contributions of NASA and its contractors, the crew underscored the importance of collaboration and teamwork in advancing space exploration.

The Artemis II mission has been hailed as a significant step towards NASA's goal of returning humans to the lunar surface by 2025. The mission's success has also sparked renewed interest in space exploration and inspired a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. By expressing their gratitude to NASA and its contractors, the Artemis II crew has demonstrated their appreciation for the hard work and dedication that has made this historic mission possible.