Montanans Play Key Roles in Artemis II Moon Mission

Engineers and an astronaut with Montana ties contribute to NASA's historic return to the lunar surface.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in muted earthy tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the intricate forces and concepts behind the Artemis II moon mission.The Artemis II mission's complex scientific and engineering feats are visualized through a bold, abstract astronomical diagram.Livingston Today

The Artemis II mission, which launched on Wednesday, features a four-person crew including Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. While the mission is a landmark achievement for NASA, it also has strong connections to the state of Montana. Two Montana-born engineers, Jeremiah Hall and Daniel Baca, are working on the Artemis II project, and astronaut Christina Koch, who was living in Livingston, Montana when selected for the Astronaut Corps, is also part of the crew.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission represents the first crewed lunar orbit since the Apollo program ended in the 1970s. Montana's involvement in this historic endeavor, through its engineers and an astronaut representative, highlights 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 attended the University of Colorado Boulder, are both working on the Artemis II mission for NASA. Additionally, astronaut Christina Koch, who was living in Livingston, Montana when selected for the Astronaut Corps, is one of the four crew members on the mission.

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

The players

Jeremiah Hall

A Montana native who graduated from Whitefish High School and Montana State University, and is now working on the Artemis II mission for NASA.

Daniel Baca

A Flathead Valley High School alumnus who attended the University of Colorado Boulder and is also 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 for the Astronaut Corps.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 a significant milestone in NASA's return to the Moon.

The takeaway

Montana's involvement in the Artemis II mission, through its engineers and an astronaut representative, demonstrates the state's contributions to the advancement of space exploration and science. This historic endeavor highlights the talent and expertise that Montana can contribute to major national and global initiatives.