Veteran Moonwalkers Embrace Artemis Moon Return

Former Apollo program workers excited for NASA's lunar comeback.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric shapes and organic spirals in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and concepts behind lunar exploration.As NASA prepares to return humans to the lunar surface with the Artemis program, the agency's veteran workforce from the Apollo era is eager to witness the next chapter of space exploration.New Haven Today

Individuals who worked around the clock to send astronauts to the Moon during the Apollo program are thrilled that NASA is finally returning to the lunar surface with the Artemis program, according to a new report.

Why it matters

The Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, building on the legacy of the Apollo missions from the 1960s and 70s. Many of the engineers, technicians, and support staff who enabled those historic first Moon landings are still alive and eager to see NASA's next chapter of lunar exploration.

The details

The report highlights the enthusiasm of former Apollo program workers who are excited to witness the Artemis missions, which plan to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. These veteran space workers played crucial roles in the complex logistics, engineering, and operations that made the Apollo program a success.

  • The Apollo program landed 12 astronauts on the Moon between 1969 and 1972.
  • NASA is aiming to launch the first Artemis mission, an uncrewed test flight around the Moon, in 2024.
  • Artemis III, which will land astronauts on the lunar surface, is targeted for no earlier than 2025.

The players

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the country's civilian space program, including the Apollo and Artemis lunar exploration initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Artemis program's return to the Moon represents an exciting new chapter in space exploration, one that will be watched closely by the veteran engineers and technicians who helped make the original Apollo missions possible.