Artemis II astronauts reflect on journey to the moon and back during Houston homecoming

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen landed at Ellington Field.

HOUSTON — The four astronauts of Artemis II mission are back on Earth after a successful journey around the Moon, returning to Houston on Saturday to a warm welcome and emotional reflections.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen landed at Ellington Field, where they spoke publicly for the first time since splashdown.

They were greeted with a standing ovation, smiling and embracing the moment after completing a mission that took them farther into space than any humans before.

“Twenty-four hours ago, the Earth was that big out the window,” Wiseman said, gesturing to emphasize the distance. “And here we are back at Ellington, at home.”

The crew balanced humor with heartfelt emotion. Hansen joked about finally being separated from his commander after the long journey, drawing laughter from the crowd.

But the tone shifted as Wiseman reflected on the personal sacrifices behind the mission, particularly time spent away from loved ones.

“Before you launch, it feels like the greatest dream on Earth,” he said. “And when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your family and friends. It’s a special thing to be human, and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.”

The mission marks a major milestone for NASA, as the crew completed a lunar flyby that officials say will help pave the way for future missions to land astronauts on the Moon.

“We are fortunate to be in this agency, at this time, together,” Glover said.

Outside the gates, crowds gathered to welcome the astronauts home, underscoring the mission’s impact beyond science and exploration.

Koch emphasized the sense of unity the journey inspired.

“There is one thing I know,” she said. “Planet Earth — you are a crew.”

Hansen closed with a message about shared purpose, telling the audience the astronauts’ journey reflects something larger.

“When you look up here, you are not looking at us,” he said. “We are a mirror reflecting you.”

The Artemis II crew’s return signals a renewed step toward humanity’s next chapter in lunar exploration — and a reminder of the people behind the mission.