Sen. Katie Britt Speaks Live with Artemis II Astronauts During Their Final Day in Space

April 9, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R‑Ala.) joined NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and a bipartisan group of lawmakers today for a live conversation with the Artemis II astronaut crew as they entered the final hours of their historic 10‑day mission in deep space. Speaking from aboard the Orion spacecraft Integrity, Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen reflected on their journey and shared personal messages for their families and the next generation of explorers.

The crew is scheduled to complete their lunar fly‑by and re-enter Earth's atmosphere on Friday, April 10. Their mission marks the first time humans have traveled to deep space since 1972, propelled by NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket-designed, engineered, and managed at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville.

A Moment of Reflection and Inspiration

During the call, Senator Britt highlighted Alabama's central role in America's return to deep space and invited each astronaut to speak directly to their children and to young people inspired by the mission.

"I know how proud we are in Alabama of the role that Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville has played in this incredible mission," Britt said. "I want to let each of you take the next minute to publicly address your children and the next generation of space explorers as this history‑making space flight mission enters its final hours."

Commander Wiseman spoke first, offering heartfelt words to his daughters Ellie and Katie. He described the overwhelming support his family has received throughout the mission and the pride he feels watching his children experience the global excitement surrounding Artemis II.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen addressed his three children-Devon, Ashley, and Kaitlin-emphasizing the importance of perseverance and finding joy in everyday efforts. He noted that the mission's challenges serve as a reminder that progress does not require perfection.

Pilot Victor Glover shared a message for his daughters Genesis, Maya, Joia, and Corinne, reflecting on the transition from coaching to cheering them on as they pursue their own dreams. He encouraged young people everywhere to carry forward the inspiration of Artemis II.

Mission Specialist Christina Koch closed the reflections with a message to her nine nieces and nephews, thanking them for the letters and drawings they sent her before launch. She said their artwork and encouragement made her feel as though they were traveling with her.

A video of the live conversation is available for public viewing.

Britt Praises Marshall Space Flight Center's Leadership

Following the call, Senator Britt underscored the decades of Alabama innovation that made Artemis II possible.

"This historic Artemis II mission is a remarkable feat of mankind made possible by decades of Alabama grit and ingenuity," Britt said. She highlighted the work of engineers, technicians, and mission teams at MSFC, noting that their contributions continue to shape the nation's path back to the Moon and onward to Mars.

MSFC has led the development of every NASA rocket designed to carry humans into space. Its expertise spans propulsion systems, materials science, advanced manufacturing, and life support technologies-capabilities that remain foundational to the Artemis program.

Throughout the Artemis II mission, control rooms at MSFC-including the Lunar Utilization Control Area (LUCA) and the Lander Engineering Support Area (LESA)-have provided real‑time operational support, monitoring systems and assisting mission controllers as the crew traveled farther into deep space than any humans before them.

Sustained Support for America's Space Future

Senator Britt has been an advocate for the programs housed at Marshall, including the SLS, the Human Landing System (HLS), and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). Earlier this year, she supported more than $1.3 billion in funding for SLS and over $2 billion for the development of two independent HLS vehicles in the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. She also backed no less than $110 million for NTP systems.

Last year, she supported additional investments through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, including $4.1 billion for SLS to advance Artemis IV and V and $100 million for infrastructure upgrades at MSFC.

As Artemis II prepares for its return to Earth, the mission stands as a milestone not only for NASA but for the thousands of Alabamians whose work helped make it possible. Their efforts continue to position the United States at the forefront of deep‑space exploration.