NASA’s Artemis II Crew Meet with President, VP at White House

Astronauts of Artemis II: A Historic Visit to the White House

On December 14th, 2023, the astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission made a special visit to the White House, meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the United States’ return to the Moon, with the Artemis II crew set to be the first humans to fly around the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

The crew, composed of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), and Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, were warmly welcomed by President Biden and Vice President Harris in the Oval Office. During their meeting, the astronauts discussed their upcoming mission, which is currently targeted for late 2024. They shared their excitement about pushing the boundaries of human exploration and paving the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

President Biden expressed his strong support for the Artemis program, reiterating its importance for scientific discovery, technological advancement, and international cooperation. He commended the astronauts for their dedication and bravery, and assured them of the nation’s unwavering commitment to their success.

Vice President Harris, who also serves as the Chair of the National Space Council, emphasized the role of Artemis in inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields. She shared her admiration for the crew’s pioneering spirit and highlighted the significance of their mission for promoting global collaboration and peaceful exploration of space.