AI Insight
In May 2026, the four crew members of NASA's Artemis II mission visited Washington to meet with congressional staff. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, completed a nearly 10-day crewed flight around the Moon and back to Earth in April 2026. The mission's zero gravity indicator, a small object named "Rise," was present at the meeting on the dais.
Why it matters
The Artemis II mission represents the first crewed lunar flyby in decades, marking a significant step in NASA's broader Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface. Congressional engagement by the crew underscores the program's dependence on sustained governmental funding and political support.
Understand the Science
“Rise,” the Artemis II zero gravity indicator, is seen sitting on the dais as NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen speak with congressional staff, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Washington.
NASA’s Artemis II mission took Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen on a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth in April 2026.
See more photos from the crew’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.
Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
Source: Rise Goes to Washington