NASA's Artemis II brings mementos on lunar return since 1972
NASA just sent its Artemis II crew around the moon, the first time humans have done this since 1972!
Each astronaut packed a few sentimental items for the journey: Victor Glover brought family heirloom wedding rings and inspirational quotes compiled by Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, Christina Koch took handwritten notes to feel close to loved ones, Jeremy Hansen carried a necklace with moon-shaped pendants and his family's birthstones, and Reid Wiseman brought a notebook to share thoughts with his daughters about the risks of space travel.
Artemis II tests systems for missions
Artemis II is more than just a trip: it's testing systems for future missions.
Next up is Artemis III in 2027, aiming for an actual moon landing in 2028.
And if all goes well, NASA hopes to send astronauts to Mars in the late 2030s or early 2040s.