In honour of the Artemis II's mission and homecoming…
Beyond cost…the importance of space exploration
One of the criticisms levelled at space exploration is its outlandish cost. The Artemis II launch is estimated to cost around $4.2 billion. Time and again we hear reasonable questions: Why aren’t we using that money to address the very considerable problems here on Earth? Won’t we simply take those same problems with us into space, wherever we may one day settle?
There is undoubtedly truth in these concerns. But perhaps we can set them alongside Judas Iscariot’s criticism of Mary in the Bible—that she should not anoint Jesus with expensive oil, worth around three hundred denarii, or thousands of pounds in today’s terms. Jesus responded: Let her alone; against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me you have not always. (John 12: 3-8). What has this to do with space flight? Simply this: space exploration is undeniably costly. Moreover, it is possible—though we hope not inevitable—that “the poor will always be with us,” while the opportunity for space travel exists now, but may not always do so.
First journey of humans around the Moon in over 50 years
Stepping up to the Artemis II space mission we see, Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist) and Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist). Lift off was 6.35pm EDT on 1 April from launch pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It’s a ten day mission and the astronauts are expected to cover 695,801 miles from launch to homecoming. Integrity is currently back on its way to Earth with an estimated splash down time of 8.07 pm EDT on 10 April.
It is the first journey of humans around the Moon in over 50 years and Christina Koch is the first woman to fly to the Moon. The astronauts are busy with a focussed work schedule laying the foundations for future Moon landings.
Integrity: A vision needed for humankind to move forward
The crew named their spacecraft Integrity as embodying the foundation of trust, respect, candour and humility across the crew and many engineers, technicians, scientists, planners and dreamers required for mission success. It is interesting to note, the word ‘dreamers’ – in other words, great vision is needed for humankind to move forward. It would be sad indeed if the huge challenges on Earth, were allowed to petrify our dreams and stop us moving forward.
There is a strong sense of purpose and integrity about this mission. Anyone who has watched the crew in training or interviews will have noticed that they exude both happiness and humility—particularly in acknowledging those who went before them. In fact, the Artemis II astronauts received a message from Jim Lovell, the commander of Apollo 13. Recorded shortly before his death on 7 August 2025, he greets each of the Artemis II astronauts by name and welcomes them to his ‘old neighbourhood’, referencing Apollo 8, a mission he shared with Frank Borman and William Anders, which he said inspired and united people round the world. I want to pass that on to you he says, as you swing around the moon and do the groundwork for missions to Mars for the benefit of all. It’s a historic day and how busy you’ll be but don’t forget to enjoy the view. Good luck and God’s speed. You can listen to Jim Lovell here: Artemis II astronauts wake up to the voice of Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell
The beauty of creation
There is a palpable sense of gratitude expressed by all the crew and inspiring words from pilot, Victor Glover recognising the beauty of creation and focussing on the unity of mankind. He says: This is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing, and that we've gotta get through this together. Likewise, a representative from NASA commented: ... Beautiful view of a crescent Moon and a crescent Earth – how great thou art. This clearly references the words of the hymn How Great Thou Art Oh Lord, my God When I, in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed…
The unity of mankind
This mission serves to remind us of unity – in Glover’s words – the unity of mankind - at a time when we are beset on Earth by dis-unity. It seems appropriate to end here, again quoting Glover’s words: As we prepare to go out of radio communication... to all of you down there on Earth, and around Earth - we love you from the Moon.
