NASA Apollo Astronaut Inspires Artemis II Crew on Easter Day

On Easter Sunday, April 5, the Artemis II crew heard a surprise voice while awake aboard their spacecraft. Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke called and spoke directly to the four crewmembers.

A veteran Apollo voice reaches the crew

Duke reminded the crew of his Apollo 16 mission in April 1972. He noted that he flew with John Young and Ken Mattingly.

He told the astronauts their lunar module had been named Orion. He also mentioned leaving a family photo on the lunar surface.

Words of encouragement and legacy

Duke praised the modern Orion that supports Artemis flights today. He thanked the ground teams for building on the Apollo legacy.

He offered blessings and wished the crew safe travels home. He ended his remarks with a short farewell and “Godspeed.”

Honoring a first-time flier

Commander Reid Wiseman presented astronaut wings to mission specialist Jeremy Hansen during flight. The ceremony aired live on NASA TV.

Hansen received the traditional gold pin for first spaceflight. The moment celebrated his status as a first-time flier.

Easter reflections from space

The crew recorded brief Easter messages after the wings ceremony. They shared themes of love and unity for people on Earth.

Hansen spoke about the teachings of Jesus and universal love. He said the view from their tiny window underscored that message.

Flight timeline and imagery

The crew will make their closest approach to the moon on Monday, April 6. They will swing around the far side at that time.

Current lighting will reveal lunar areas dark during the Apollo missions. NASA plans to release photos taken with the crew’s cameras and iPhones afterward.

The spacecraft is expected to return Friday, April 10. Splashdown is planned off California.

A NASA Apollo astronaut reached out and inspired the Artemis II crew on Easter Day, linking past missions to the present flight. Filmogaz.com reporter Brooke Edwards covered the exchange.