Trump hails Artemis II crew after historic moon flyby

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump praised the crew of Artemis II following their historic journey around the Moon, congratulating them for inspiring the nation and the world.

Speaking via a live audio link from the White House, Trump addressed the four astronauts as they transmitted video from space after completing a dramatic flyby of the Moon’s far side. “You’ve made history and made all of America incredibly proud,” he told the crew, adding that their achievement had captured global attention.

The mission, conducted by NASA, saw astronauts travel farther from Earth than any humans before them, a milestone that has reignited public interest in deep space exploration. The crew’s journey marked the first time in more than 50 years that humans have travelled to the vicinity of the Moon.

Trump’s remarks came shortly after the astronauts re-established communication with Earth, having experienced a period of radio silence while passing behind the Moon. The temporary blackout, caused by the Moon blocking signals, highlighted the challenges of deep space missions and added a dramatic element to the flight.

During the conversation, astronaut Christina Koch shared her reflections on the mission, describing the emotional impact of seeing Earth reappear after emerging from the Moon’s far side. She called it one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey.

Victor Glover, another crew member, offered a candid glimpse into the experience of isolation during the communications blackout. When asked how he felt during the silence, he said he briefly paused for prayer before focusing on his responsibilities.

The exchange underscored the human dimension of the mission, blending technical achievement with personal experience. Trump emphasised the symbolic importance of the flight, describing it as a unifying moment that showcased American leadership in space exploration.

The Artemis II mission is part of a broader effort to return astronauts to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions beyond lunar orbit. As the crew prepares for the remainder of their journey, their achievement is already being hailed as a defining moment in modern spaceflight.