NASA Astronauts' Easter Message from Artemis 2 "the teachings of Jesus were, were always a very simple truth of love"
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For the first time in over fifty years, NASA’s crewed return to the moon's vicinity has inspired a global moment of introspection and spiritual reflection.
A Message from Deep Space
On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, Artemis II pilot Victor Glover (pictured far right), and his fellow astronauts, spoke with news stations from the Orion spacecraft Integrity. Having launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, Glover was joined by Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen (pictured far left)—the latter marking a historic first for Canada. Hansen said, "Happy Easter, everyone. We've been talking up here as a crew and we did want to send a special Easter message on this day. And, you know, no matter your faith or religion. For me, the teachings of Jesus were, were always a very simple truth of love, universal love, love yourself and love others, and something for us being up here and looking back at all of you through one tiny window is that just resonates 100% true. And our, our goal as humanity should be to just follow in that example. There were many examples in the past, but that's one example of love that we can just all follow in those footsteps and it will serve us well."
Reflecting on the timing of the mission, Glover shared a message of universal connection:
“I think, as we go into Easter Sunday, thinking about all the cultures all around the world, whether you celebrate it or not, whether you believe in God or not, this is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing, and that we’ve got to get through this together.”
Pushing the Boundaries of Apollo
The 10-day mission is designed to cover a total of 695,081 miles, culminating in a Pacific Ocean splashdown. At its peak, the crew will reach a distance of 252,760 miles from Earth—surpassing the record set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970 by more than 4,100 miles.
Mission Objectives
While the primary technical goal is to test systems for a sustained human presence on the Moon, the mission has taken on a deeper symbolic weight. Amidst global instability and conflict, the journey serves as a reminder of shared human dignity.
Glover, who has frequently shared how his faith informs his perspective, spoke of the planet itself as a vessel:
“When I read the Bible and I look at all of the amazing things that were done for us who were created — you have this amazing place, this spaceship. You guys are talking to us because we’re in a spaceship really far from Earth, but you’re on a spaceship called Earth that was created to give us a place to live in the universe.”
Perspective from the "Oasis"
Glover, the first Black astronaut to fly a lunar mission, described the stark contrast between the "emptiness" of the cosmos and the vibrant "oasis" of home. He urged those watching from the ground to recognize their own significance:
“Maybe the distance we are from you makes you think what we’re doing is special, but we’re the same distance from you. And I’m trying to tell you — just trust me — you are special.”
Moments of Silence
The gravity of the mission was underscored on April 6, when the crew entered a scheduled 40-minute communication blackout while passing behind the far side of the Moon. Before the mission, Glover to BBC suggested that the world use such moments of silence for collective hope:
“When we’re behind the Moon, out of contact with everybody, let’s take that as an opportunity. Let’s pray, hope, send your good thoughts and feelings that we get back in contact with the crew.”
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