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Melbourne Today
By the People, for the People
Apollo Astronaut Sends Easter Message to Artemis II Crew
Charlie Duke, who walked on the moon in 1972, offers words of encouragement to the current lunar mission.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:34pm
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As the Artemis II astronauts traveled to the moon, they received a special Easter message from Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, who walked on the lunar surface in 1972. Duke congratulated the crew and reminded them that they are continuing the legacy of the Apollo program. The Artemis II crew also took a moment to share their own Easter messages, reflecting on the universal themes of love and humanity.
Why it matters
The connection between the Apollo and Artemis programs highlights the long history of human exploration of the moon. Duke's message provides a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of astronauts to the next, as NASA works to return humans to the lunar surface after a 50-year gap.
The details
During their mission, the Artemis II crew will make their closest approach to the moon on April 6 and are expected to return to Earth on April 10. While in space, the crew received a special message from Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, who walked on the moon in 1972. Duke congratulated the Artemis II crew and reminded them that they are continuing the legacy of the Apollo program. The Artemis II astronauts also took a moment to share their own Easter messages, reflecting on themes of love and humanity.
- On April 5, the Artemis II astronauts heard a message from Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke.
- The Artemis II crew will make their closest approach to the moon on April 6.
- The Artemis II crew is expected to return to Earth on April 10.
The players
Charlie Duke
An Apollo 16 astronaut who walked on the moon in 1972.
Reid Wiseman
The commander of the Artemis II mission.
Jeremy Hansen
A Canadian Space Agency astronaut and mission specialist on the Artemis II crew.
What they’re saying
“Hello, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy. This is Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke. John Young and I landed on the moon in 1972 in a lunar module we named Orion. I'm glad to see a different kind of Orion helping return humans to the moon as America charts the course to the lunar surface.”
— Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 Astronaut
“Below you on the moon is a photo of my family. I pray it reminds you that we and America and all of the world are cheering you on. Thanks to you and the whole team on the ground for building on our Apollo legacy with Artemis. Godspeed and safe travels home.”
— Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 Astronaut
“We were talking up here as a crew, and we wanted to send a special Easter message on this day. And no matter your faith or religion, for me, the teachings of Jesus were always a very simple truth of love — universal love. Love yourself and love others.”
— Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II Mission Specialist
What’s next
On Monday, April 6, the Artemis II crew will make their closest approach to the moon as they swing around the far side. NASA has said photos taken with the crew's cameras and iPhones will be revealed afterward.
The takeaway
The connection between the Apollo and Artemis programs highlights the long history of human exploration of the moon. Duke's message provides a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of astronauts to the next, as NASA works to return humans to the lunar surface after a 50-year gap.
