Artemis II Moon Mission Highlights Cleveland's Role

NASA astronaut praises Glenn Research Center's contribution to historic lunar flight

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:22pm

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific and engineering feats that enabled the Artemis II lunar mission.An abstract artistic rendering of the intricate systems and forces that powered the historic Artemis II mission to the moon and back, highlighting Cleveland's crucial role in the landmark spaceflight.Cleveland Today

During the return of the Artemis II Orion spacecraft from its successful crewed mission around the moon, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman gave a shoutout to Cleveland's Glenn Research Center, which managed the development and integration of the spacecraft's critical European-built service module.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission marked NASA's first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years, and Cleveland's Glenn Research Center played a key role in enabling the spacecraft's critical systems and safe return to Earth. This recognition highlights the city's ongoing contributions to major space exploration efforts.

The details

The service module supplied the propulsion system that powered and steered Orion from Earth toward lunar orbit and back home, while also carrying life-support resources used throughout the 10-day mission. Wiseman praised the 'extreme precision' of the vehicle, which was developed through collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and Airbus.

  • Orion completed its third Return Correction Burn at approximately 2:53 p.m. Eastern on April 14, 2026.
  • Artemis II's Orion capsule splashed down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. Eastern on April 14, 2026.

The players

Reid Wiseman

Artemis II Commander who gave the shoutout to NASA's Glenn Research Center during the mission's return to Earth.

NASA Glenn Research Center

The Cleveland-based NASA center that managed the development and integration of the Orion spacecraft's European-built service module, a critical component for the mission's success.

European Space Agency

The space agency that collaborated with NASA and Airbus on the development of the Orion service module.

Airbus

The European aerospace company that worked with NASA and the European Space Agency on the Orion service module.

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What they’re saying

“Hey, Jackie, we see the same thing onboard, and we just wanted to give a huge shoutout to that ESA Airbus team, to our friends in the Netherlands, in Germany and at the Glenn Research Center. This vehicle powered us, and it propelled us from the Earth to the moon and back with extreme precision and we are excited to be part of your team.”

— Reid Wiseman, Artemis II Commander

What’s next

The successful completion of the Artemis II mission paves the way for the Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the lunar surface as early as 2024.

The takeaway

Cleveland's Glenn Research Center played a crucial role in enabling the historic Artemis II lunar mission, highlighting the city's ongoing contributions to major space exploration efforts and the collaborative nature of modern spaceflight programs.