The Advancing Humanity in Space Caucus Applauds America’s First Crewed Lunar Mission In Over 50 Years

WASHINGTON —Today, the bipartisan Advancing Humanity in Space Congressional Caucus applauded the successful launch of Artemis II, America's first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.

At approximately 6:35 PM EST, an SLS rocket carrying three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut ascended from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It's destination: the Moon and back.

"We celebrate this historic achievement as NASA continues laying the groundwork for establishing humanity's permanent presence on the lunar surface. As astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen prepare to travel further than any human ever has before, we join Americans and millions from around the globe in wishing them well on their journey. Artemis II continues the legacy of the Apollo program, inspiring the next generation of innovators and explorers while deepening our understanding of how space exploration positively impacts our daily lives. Human spaceflight continues to serve not only as a source of international inspiration, but also as a source of unity for America in increasingly partisan times. It is our sincere hope that the Artemis II mission brings our country together in both awe and pride, while we continue to work together to promote future missions that advance humanity in space.” — Reps. Gabe Evans, Glenn Ivey, Don Bacon, and George Whitesides. Cofounders, Advancing Humanity in Space Congressional Caucus.

Artemis II is the second overall mission in the Artemis program and its first crewed mission. The intent of the Artemis program is to establish a permanent human presence on the lunar surface by fostering international collaboration, supporting NASA's established expertise and capabilities in spaceflight, and leveraging new innovations from the commercial space sector.

The Advancing Humanity in Space Congressional Caucus is the first congressional caucus dedicated solely to furthering humanity’s exploration of space. The ASHCC's mission is to:

• Strengthen U.S. competitiveness in human spaceflight and exploration.
• Promote sustainable space development for economic, scientific, and societal benefits.
• Facilitate policies that ensure safety, efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in space activities.
• Support collaboration with international partners that enhance global cooperation and security in space exploration.
• Provide citizens with a greater awareness of space activities, newfound innovations/discoveries, and their positive impact on humanity.