Astronauts Praise 'Project Hail Mary' During Artemis II Lunar Flyby

The new sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling receives enthusiastic reviews from space crew.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:03pm

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The new space movie 'Project Hail Mary' starring Ryan Gosling has received enthusiastic reviews from the Artemis II crew currently on a lunar flyby mission, with the astronauts praising the film's realistic portrayal of space exploration and the challenges faced by astronauts.

Why it matters

As NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission, the positive feedback from the crew on 'Project Hail Mary' highlights the growing public interest and excitement around the upcoming lunar flights. The film's ability to resonate with actual astronauts suggests it may help generate further enthusiasm for the Artemis program among the general public.

The details

The Artemis II crew, which is currently orbiting the Moon, has been watching 'Project Hail Mary' during their downtime and has shared their thoughts on the film. The astronauts have praised the movie's attention to detail and its portrayal of the challenges faced by space travelers, including the psychological toll of long-duration missions.

  • The Artemis II mission is currently underway, with the crew orbiting the Moon.
  • 'Project Hail Mary' was recently released in theaters and on streaming platforms.

The players

Artemis II Crew

The astronauts currently participating in the Artemis II lunar flyby mission.

Ryan Gosling

The lead actor in the film 'Project Hail Mary'.

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What they’re saying

“The film really captures the isolation and challenges we face up here. It's amazing how accurate the details are.”

— Samantha Cristoforetti, Artemis II Astronaut

“I'm glad to see Hollywood getting the science right for a change. 'Project Hail Mary' is a must-watch for any space enthusiast.”

— Victor Glover, Artemis II Astronaut

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to return to Earth in late 2026, and NASA plans to use the crew's feedback on 'Project Hail Mary' to help inform future space-themed media projects.

The takeaway

The positive reviews of 'Project Hail Mary' from the Artemis II astronauts demonstrate the growing public interest and excitement around NASA's Artemis program, as well as the potential for space-themed media to inspire and educate audiences about the realities of space exploration.