Michigan native Christina Hammock Koch set for historic moon mission

NASA astronaut from Grand Rapids to launch tonight on lunar voyage

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:58pm

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NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is set to launch tonight on a historic mission to the moon. The 43-year-old will be part of the crew aboard the Artemis III spacecraft, which will land on the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo program.

Why it matters

This mission marks a major milestone in space exploration, as the Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. As a Michigan native, Christina Hammock Koch's participation in this historic flight is a point of pride for the state and will inspire the next generation of space explorers.

The details

Hammock Koch, a veteran of two previous long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station, will serve as the mission specialist on the Artemis III flight. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:04 pm EST tonight, kicking off a multi-day journey to the moon.

  • The Artemis III mission is scheduled to launch tonight, April 1, 2026 at 8:04 pm EST.
  • The spacecraft is expected to land on the lunar surface in approximately 3 days.

The players

Christina Hammock Koch

A 43-year-old NASA astronaut from Grand Rapids, Michigan who will serve as the mission specialist on the Artemis III lunar mission.

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the federal agency responsible for the country's civilian space program, including the historic Artemis missions to the moon.

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What they’re saying

“This is a monumental moment not just for our space program, but for the state of Michigan. We couldn't be prouder to see one of our own taking this giant leap for humankind.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

“Christina Hammock Koch is an incredibly talented and dedicated astronaut, and we have the utmost confidence in her abilities to make this mission a success.”

— Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator

What’s next

After landing on the lunar surface, the Artemis III crew will conduct a series of spacewalks and scientific experiments over the course of their 7-day stay. The mission is expected to pave the way for future long-term human habitation on the moon.

The takeaway

Christina Hammock Koch's historic flight to the moon as part of the Artemis III mission represents a major milestone for both the state of Michigan and the broader space exploration efforts of NASA. Her participation will inspire a new generation of Michiganders to reach for the stars.