My TakeLunar mission gives a fresh perspective on a troubled world
The journey of Artemis II coincides with Easter and its message of peace that can resonate with all of us
The dramatic launch of the first manned space mission to the moon for more than 50 years invokes a childlike sense of excitement and wonder, with reflections on the prospect of another giant leap for mankind.
Four astronauts, three from the United States and one from Canada, are on course to travel further away from Earth than any of their predecessors, circling the moon.
Some of us are old enough to remember the first lunar missions in the 1960s and ’70s. These formed the backdrop to our childhood. We were gripped by the images broadcast on our black and white television screens and our favourite shows included Star Trek and Lost in Space.
The lift-off for the Artemis II mission made a refreshing change from the more familiar but much less attractive images of rockets and missiles being launched as part of the US and Israeli war with Iran.
This space mission, in which the astronauts have been able to look down on a troubled world, gives us a chance, literally, to gain a fresh perspective. Commander Reid Wiseman spoke of being able to see the entire globe, saying it was “the most spectacular moment and it paused all four of us in our tracks”.
A little reflection is appropriate at Easter. The message of the Christian festival is one of peace. It resonates with people of all faiths and those who are not religious. It is a time for looking ahead with hope.