Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science Artemis II launches to the Moon
Apr 8, 2026
Joel Kearns, NASA deputy associate administrator for exploration, reflects on the historic return to cislunar space and program goals. The conversation highlights launch-day atmosphere and engineering triumphs. Brief accounts cover international partnerships, onboard science studies, ascent sensations, and how mission issues were diagnosed and resolved in real time.
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Last Minute Launch Fixes And Crew Go For Launch
- The Artemis II countdown hit several technical snags but teams assessed each and proceeded, exemplified by switching range receivers and excluding a faulty battery sensor reading.
- The crew performed the final poll with launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and then launched, with Victor Glover saying "we are going for our families."
Firsthand Emotional Reactions To Launch
- Planetary Society team members Asa Stahl and Amber Trujillo witnessed Artemis II lift‑off in person and described profound emotional reactions from awe to tears.
- Amber noted intense physical sensations at booster separation and Asa compared seeing a launch in person to watching a building rise into the air.
Protect Artemis Through Bipartisan Support
- Support for Artemis in Congress reflected bipartisan cooperation, with lawmakers emphasizing the unifying nature of human spaceflight.
- Representative Mike Herodopolos noted unanimous passage of major NASA bills and cross‑party teamwork on amendments.