Montanans Play Key Roles in Artemis II Moon Mission

Engineers, an astronaut with Montana ties contribute to historic NASA lunar orbit flight.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years, features several Montanans playing important roles. Engineers Jeremiah Hall and Daniel Baca, both from Montana, are working on the mission for NASA. Additionally, astronaut Christina Koch, who was living in Livingston, Montana when selected for the Astronaut Corps, is part of the four-person crew.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a landmark achievement for NASA and the United States, representing the first crewed lunar orbit since the Apollo program. Montana's connections to the mission, through its engineers and an astronaut, showcase the state's contributions to the advancement of space exploration and science.

The details

Jeremiah Hall, a graduate of Whitefish High School and Montana State University, and Daniel Baca, a Flathead Valley High School alumnus who studied at the University of Colorado Boulder, are both Montanan engineers working on the Artemis II mission for NASA. Additionally, astronaut Christina Koch, who maintained ties to Livingston, Montana, is one of the four crew members on the Artemis II flight.

  • The Artemis II mission launched on Wednesday, April 5, 2026.
  • The mission is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026.

The players

Jeremiah Hall

A Montana native and mechanical engineering graduate of Montana State University, who is working on the Artemis II mission for NASA.

Daniel Baca

A Flathead Valley High School alumnus who studied mathematics, computer science, astrophysics, and aerospace engineering, and is now working on the Artemis II mission for NASA.

Christina Koch

An astronaut on the Artemis II mission, who was living in Livingston, Montana when she was selected to join the NASA Astronaut Corps.

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What they’re saying

“It's not every day you meet a Montanan who's going to space!”

— Steve Daines, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026, marking the first crewed lunar orbit in over 50 years.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission's connections to Montana, through its engineers and an astronaut, highlight the state's contributions to the advancement of space exploration and science. This mission represents a significant milestone for NASA and the United States, and Montanans can take pride in their state's role in this historic achievement.