Montana Engineers and Astronaut Contribute to Historic Artemis II Moon Mission

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Artemis II mission, which launched on Wednesday, features a four-person crew including NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who was living in Livingston, Montana when she was selected for the Astronaut Corps. Additionally, two Montana engineers, Jeremiah Hall and Daniel Baca, are working on the Artemis II project for NASA. Hall is a graduate of Whitefish High School and Montana State University, while Baca is a Flathead Valley High School alumnus who studied at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission marks the first time humans have orbited the Moon since the Apollo program ended in the 1970s. The involvement of Montanans in this historic endeavor highlights the state's contributions to the space industry and the accomplishments of its brightest scientific minds.

The details

Jeremiah Hall and Daniel Baca, both native Montanans, are working as engineers on the Artemis II mission for NASA. Hall graduated from Whitefish High School and earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Montana State University before obtaining a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. Baca, who attended Flathead Valley High School, earned bachelor's degrees in mathematics, computer science, and astrophysics before pursuing a graduate degree in aerospace engineering at CU Boulder, where he also met his wife, who also works on the Artemis II project.

• The Artemis II mission launched on Wednesday, April 6, 2026.
• The mission is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026, marking the first time humans have orbited the Moon since the Apollo program ended over 50 years ago.