NASA

Drawing ever closer to Earth, the Artemis II astronauts tidied up their lunar cruiser for the upcoming “fireball” return and reflected on their historic journey around the moon, describing it as surreal and profound. This is the end of their journey, which began aboard NASA's new "Space Launch System" rocket which was designed, built, tested, and managed at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

When four NASA astronauts blasted off on Artemis-2, something was trending on the social media platform Bluesky. It was called "Challenger trauma." People posted about witnessing the 1986 space shuttle Challenger accident and how they felt a visceral sense of unease as Artemis lifted off from the launch pad. The four astronauts blasted off on a rocket built here in Alabama. The investigation into the loss of Challenger focused, in part, on a statement witnesses say was made by a manager at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Now more than halfway to the moon, the Artemis II astronauts prepared for their historic lunar fly-around to push deeper into space than even the Apollo astronauts. On the downside, a key piece of equipment is on the blink again.

The astronauts aboard Artemis-2 are preparing for a fly-by of the moon as part of the mission in space. The trip began with a ride to Earth orbit aboard NASA’s Alabama built new moon rocket called the “Space Launch System,” or SLS. Three of the Artemis astronauts are space veterans. But, none of the crew members flew aboard NASA’s space shuttle which uses solid rocket boosters for blastoff. They shared thoughts on the ride.

Four astronauts embarked on a high-stakes flight around the moon Wednesday, humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than half a century and the thrilling leadoff in NASA’s push toward a landing in two years. The crew flew to Earth orbit aboard the space agency’s new “Space Launch System” rocket designed, built, tested, and managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Supporters of Wednesday’s planned launch of an Alabama built rocket on the first crewed trip to the moon since 1972 can sink their teeth in an edible souvenir at their local Krispy Kreme. The donut outlet, on Tuesday, is debuting a limited-edition Artemis II Doughnut, launching just in time for this historic moment in space exploration.

NASA said it's revamping its Artemis moon exploration program to make it more like the fast-paced Apollo program half a century ago. The plan means adding an extra practice flight before attempting a high-risk lunar landing with a crew in two years. This could mean more work in the Huntsville area, with more launches of NASA’s Alabama built super rocket called the “Space Launch System” or SLS.

In the latest setback to return astronauts to the moon, NASA delayed the highly anticipated flight yet again after a new problem cropped up with the rocket. April is now appears the earliest that the four Artemis II astronauts could fly to the moon. The new super rocket poised to carry the astronauts off the launch pad and onto their way was designed, built, tested, and managed at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

NASA's plans to launch the Artemis II into lunar orbit may get delayed again. The first moon mission involving humans since 1972 was set to go March 6th, after a dress rehearsal found no hydrogen leaks. But NASA boss Jared Isaacman said on X Saturday, an interruption in helium flow was discovered overnight. He says that will likely send the Artemis off the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. The super rocket that will carry the astronauts has its roots at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Ever tried to explain a rotary phone to a 10-year-old? Archiving the history of how we talk to each other is more than just collecting old gadgets—it’s about preserving our connection to the past. Volunteer archivist Brad Clasgens with Signals Museum of Information Explosion in Huntsville knows a thing or two about that. He's the latest guest on Quick-Fire Quips and has the full download from scrolling to streaming to syncing up. Plus, the history of fun and unusual devices!