Your Kids Asked the Artemis Astronauts Questions. They Answered.

Overview

This episode features the Artemis II astronauts — Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman — answering questions from children about their historic mission around the moon. The conversation explores the awe of space travel, the practicalities of life in zero gravity, and the profound reflections the astronauts gained from their journey.

Notable Quotes

- Sometimes you have to leave and look back to realize the simplest little thing can be the most impressive thing you have seen all week. — Reid Wiseman, on appreciating Earth's beauty.

- Space is emptiness. There’s a lot of nothing out there, and it makes you realize how infinitesimally small we are. — Victor Glover, on the vastness of space.

- The solutions we create for space exploration benefit us here on Earth. Without that push, we’d miss out on extraordinary innovations. — Jeremy Hansen, on the value of space exploration.

🚀 The Qualities of an Astronaut

- Curiosity and Wonder: Reid Wiseman emphasized the importance of observing nature and fostering curiosity from a young age.

- Persistence: Jeremy Hansen highlighted the need to overcome challenges and seek help from others to achieve goals.

- Teamwork and Humility: Victor Glover stressed being a good teammate, as others determine your effectiveness in collaboration.

- Hard Work and Support: Christina Koch added that humility, hard work, and supporting others are essential traits for success.

🌑 Experiencing the Far Side of the Moon

- Christina Koch described the experience as solemn, with moments of reflection amidst their busy schedule.

- Reid Wiseman shared the awe of seeing craters and basins never before observed by human eyes, emphasizing the scientific importance of documenting these views.

- Victor Glover called the experience overwhelming, noting the emotional and spiritual impact of witnessing the moon's vastness and Earth's fragility.

🍴 Life in Zero Gravity

- Food in space includes broccoli au gratin, tortillas with brisket, and even Nutella crepes. Reid Wiseman recounted a humorous moment when floating oatmeal crumbs became a game for Victor Glover.

- Carbonated beverages are nearly impossible to drink due to the lack of gravity separating bubbles from liquid.

- Sleeping in space involves no up or down, and astronauts often dream of floating.

💩 The Bathroom in Space

- Toilets use suction systems to manage waste in zero gravity. A malfunction required the crew to use backup methods, such as venting waste directly into space.

- Privacy is limited but available in a designated toilet area with a door.

🌍 Reflections on Earth and Humanity

- Viewing Earth from space reinforced the astronauts' sense of its fragility and uniqueness. Reid Wiseman noted the thinness of Earth's atmosphere as a stark reminder of its delicate balance.

- Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch reflected on the importance of joy, collaboration, and gratitude, emphasizing the need to focus on unity and positivity.

- The crew dedicated a lunar crater to Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carol, creating a deeply emotional and unifying moment for the team.