The Artemis II crew recently spoke with the press, just days after returning from their lunar mission. Among them was Victor Glover, the pilot of the Orion spacecraft, who has been part of an exciting journey in NASA’s Artemis program.
Glover is not new to space. He first flew to the International Space Station in November 2020 as part of the Crew Dragon mission. Now, he is taking on the Artemis II mission, which aims to pave the way for future human exploration of the Moon, with plans for a semi-permanent base.
We caught up with Glover at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and discussed his recent experiences with the Orion spacecraft.
Ars: You flew the Dragon spacecraft with touchscreens, but Orion uses more traditional controls. Which do you prefer?
Victor Glover: You know, I really liked the hands-on feel of Orion’s controls. The translational hand controller made it a thrill to fly.
Ars: How did the real flying compare to your training simulations?
Glover: It was remarkable. The actual controls had better responsiveness. The thruster sounds we practiced with didn’t match what I felt during the flight. It was like driving a truck on a bumpy road—much more engaging!
This mission is a testament to the advancements in space technology since the Apollo days. NASA is now using current technology to improve space travel safety and efficiency. According to a recent NASA report, the Artemis program aims not just for exploration but also for establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon by 2028.
NASA also values public interest—social media reactions show a strong enthusiasm for the program. Many users share their excitement about humanity’s return to the Moon, marking a fresh chapter in space exploration. In fact, #ArtemisII trended significantly during the mission, with people posting their hopes for future lunar visits.
Just a few decades ago, space travel was limited and often seen as a distant dream. Now, astronauts like Glover are leading us into a new era, where the Moon could become a stepping stone to Mars and beyond. This evolution shows just how far we’ve come in understanding and exploring space.
For more details on the Artemis mission, consider checking out NASA’s official site.
