WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 10) – The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE) congratulates NASA and its industry partners on the successful completion of the Artemis II mission. This milestone in human exploration included the second successful flight of the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion’s historic journey with crew around the Moon, and the safe splashdown and recovery of both crew and spacecraft by Exploration Ground Systems. We welcome Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist) back to Earth after their ambitious, courageous and inspiring journey that marked humanity’s return to cislunar space.
“Across the globe, millions witnessed a picture-perfect launch, marveled at the wonders of the Moon, and now celebrate the successful return of the Artemis II crew,” said CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler. “Artemis II is a defining achievement for human space exploration. This mission proved that the systems required to carry astronauts to the Moon are operational and ready to support sustained human operations in deep space.”
Artemis II marked the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in more than fifty years, validating Orion’s life-support system, propulsion, navigation, and crew operations in the demanding environment of deep space. Building on the success of Artemis I, Artemis II establishes a strong foundation for future crewed missions, including the next human landing on the Moon.
“The safe return of the Artemis II crew powerfully demonstrates what is achievable when government and industry work together toward a shared vision,” Cutler added. “The United States has reaffirmed its leadership in human space exploration, bringing us significantly closer to returning astronauts to the Moon and building the capabilities needed for future lunar missions with an eye towards Mars.”
Upcoming Artemis missions will continue to build on the success of Artemis II to advance science, strengthen international partnerships, and inspire the next generation of explorers.
CDSE recognizes its member companies, whose partnership with NASA made the Artemis II mission possible. Their work was integrated by prime contractors Boeing on the Space Launch System; Lockheed Martin on the Orion spacecraft; L3Harris on SLS engines and Orion propulsion systems; Northrop Grumman on Solid Rocket Boosters; and Amentum on Exploration Ground Systems.
“NASA and its industry partners have shown we are ready for the next steps in returning to the lunar surface,” Cutler continued. “The dedication and hard work of thousands of people at suppliers across the country were vital to the success of this historic mission. Without them, Artemis II would not have been possible.”
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration proudly salutes the courageous Artemis II crew, NASA, and its industry partners on the successful completion of this historic mission.
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About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 50 space industry businesses and other stakeholders committed to ensuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration, science, technology, and international cooperation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Coalition advocates in support of a long-term, sustainable direction for our nation’s space investments.
For more information or to schedule an interview with CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler, please contact Dan Stohr at (703) 517-8173 or DNStohrConsulting@gmail.com.