Podcast Summary: "13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II – #3: Man Around the Moon"

Podcast: 13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II
Host: Tim Peake, Maggie Aderin
Guests: Kristin Fisher (US Space Journalist), Rebecca Morelle (BBC Science Editor), Jeremy Hansen (Artemis II crew member)
Date: April 1, 2026
Episode Theme: Tracking the launch and first crewed loop around the Moon in over 50 years; an inside look at Artemis II launch day, crew preparations, and the mission’s significance.

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode immerses listeners in the excitement, complexity, and humanity of Artemis II’s historic mission to take four astronauts farther from Earth than anyone before. Hosts Tim Peake and Maggie Aderin cover everything – from launch day atmosphere and technical milestones to crew roles, personal stories, and the international collaboration that defines Artemis. The episode’s heart lies in exploring the emotional landscape of the crew as they prepare for launch, reflecting on history, and looking toward humanity’s future in space.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Launch Day Energy and Atmosphere

[01:44] – [03:41]

• Kristin Fisher delivers a “vibe check” live from Florida as launch day unfolds. Weather is “beautiful”; all technical systems are "go" for tonight's launch.
  • "I am wearing a T-shirt. That was my mom's shirt. ... It says I've got it on the front and on the back is launch fever. ... There is this launch fever. And you can feel it here. People are just excited for this moment and what it means for, for all of us earthlings." [02:30]
• She explains the excitement and anticipation in the local area, wearing “launch party” swag to emphasize the celebratory mood.
• Tim Peake and Maggie Aderin echo the excitement, noting the importance of the day for everyone involved and following along.

2. Technical Milestones: The Countdown to Launch

[03:41] – [07:38]

• Fueling ('tanking') SLS core stage began at 7:30 AM ET— a crucial, risk-prone milestone.
  • Kristin points out that “this is when the hydrogen tries to leak and escape,” referencing past Artemis I and II test issues. (“If there are going to be issues with this first launch attempt… this is likely when… they’re going to start to come out.”) [04:40]
• Post-Launch Sequence:
  • Core stage detaches ~8 minutes after launch.
  • Orion enters low Earth orbit (similar to ISS orbit, 90-min period) [05:24].
  • Solar panel deployment on Orion.
  • Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) fires for the “apogee raise burn,” boosting them to high Earth orbit.
  • ICPS detaches; Orion maneuvers for “docking simulation,” important for future Artemis lunar lander dockings. Victor Glover will pilot this sequence.
  • Extensive system checkouts and a brief rest before the crucial “Trans Lunar Injection” (TLI) on Flight Day 2.
  • There are “off-ramps” at various stages for abort or delay if issues arise— safety is continually re-evaluated.

3. Crew's Pre-Launch Routine and Emotions

[07:38] – [11:12]

• Crew Quarters: Same area as Apollo 11; rich with tradition and deep NASA heritage.
• Breakfast tradition: Staff wear shirts with flight patches.
• Suit-up and walk-out: Similar to Apollo era, with family goodbyes and a ride to the pad.
• Emotional arc: Astronauts experience rising excitement and emotion, leading to “mission focus” as launch nears.
  • “By the time they walk across that gangway into the Orion spacecraft, they will all be absolutely, absolutely focused on the mission.” – Tim Peake [10:39]
  • Kristin: “Even though you’ve rehearsed it dozens of times, man, it’s gotta feel different on launch day.” [11:02]

4. Spotlight on the Crew

[11:12] – [19:10]

Commander Reid Wiseman

• 16 years as an astronaut, 6 months of flight experience.
• Admits to being afraid of heights on Earth—relatable for Tim Peake.
• Commander's leadership is crucial mostly in emergencies; otherwise, crew operates as “well-oiled machine.”
  • “Most of the time everybody is just working together like this smooth, well oiled machine.” – Tim Peake [13:40]

Christina Koch (Mission Specialist)

• Will be the first woman to travel to the Moon.
• Most time in space among the crew (one year on ISS).
• Job includes timing and procedural discipline for critical maneuvers, prepping Orion systems for TLI, and leading scientific tasks.
  • “She keeps everybody on track on time. She’s also responsible for setting up Orion’s systems during that critical translunar injection.” – Kristen Fisher [15:30]
• Noted for experience in “surviving in very difficult and unusual circumstances” (like Antarctica).

Victor Glover (Pilot)

• First Black astronaut to travel to the Moon.
• Eager to fly Orion, but all crew will rotate through control roles.
• Crew will conduct internal science with themselves as test subjects (e.g., radiation biology).

Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, Canada)

• First non-American to leave Earth orbit.
• Interview segment covers his excitement, sense of responsibility, and pride in international cooperation.
  • “This collaborative example that we set in the space program is so valuable for humanity. … The secret sauce for humanity’s future is how to do these hard things together.” – Jeremy Hansen [25:13]
• Describes open role-sharing among crew; “everyone does everything,” even the less glamorous tasks like toilet maintenance.

5. Being "the Firsts" and Representation

[17:43] – [18:30]

• Both Victor and Christina share nuanced views on being “the first”:
  • “We do think about it but we’re not in this for the superlatives. … One day, I hope we don’t have to talk about these firsts.” – Victor Glover, as quoted by Kristen Fisher [18:00]
• Hosts reflect on the desire for space access to become truly routine and inclusive.

6. Safety, Abort Options, and Risk

[19:43] – [22:20]

• Mission has built-in safety stop-points; crew can pause in high Earth orbit, even return to Earth if there is a problem.
• NASA administrator Jared Isaacman is “only looking forward to seeing the parachutes deploy and splashdown” – underlining the seriousness of the risks involved.

7. Extended Interview: Jeremy Hansen

[23:23] – [39:22]

• First flight, huge leap: On the personal impact of debuting in space with a moon mission.
  • “It was pretty humbling to be assigned to this mission…to be the first time that, you know, a non American had left Earth orbit.” – Jeremy Hansen [23:41]
• International Crew: The Artemis mission is a global endeavor – European service module, Canadian astronaut, American/NASA leadership – “secret sauce” is collaboration.
• Crew Dynamics: All four extensively cross-trained; “everybody does everything.”
• Family and Risk: Frank and moving about talking risk with his family.
  • “At the end of the day, every time you take a risk, you have to also acknowledge it could come to fruition…What I wanted them most to understand is that they will be okay. … It’ll be really tough. There’ll be a period of mourning. But…they can lean on each other and get through it.” – Jeremy Hansen [28:40]
• On the G-forces and unknowns: No one knows precisely how it will feel on launch.
  • “You're going to have to have faith that whatever we're experiencing is probably normal unless we're convinced it's not.” – Jeremy Hansen [31:35]
• Critical point: TLI “Go/No-Go”: Strict checks for system redundancies; only if everything is “double safe” do they commit to lunar trajectory [35:03].
  • “If we’re down to our last system that’s keeping us alive, we won’t leave Earth orbit…Once you accelerate to 39 times the speed of sound, you’re going somewhere, you’re going far.”
• Reflecting on Enormity: Unsure when it will all hit him emotionally – possibly after landing and reunifying as a crew.
  • “It’s extraordinarily hard to send people to the Moon…lots of nonbelievers…but I’m a believer…I firmly believe we went to the moon in the Apollo days. But…it is literally just so hard.” – Jeremy Hansen [37:10-39:10]

8. "Personal Mementos – What Would You Take to the Moon?"

[39:26] – [41:40]

• Crew mostly chooses meaningful keepsakes:
  • Jeremy: Moon pendants for his wife and children, a blank notecard, Bible, personal heirlooms.
  • Christina: Handwritten notes from loved ones (hopes to get some in her care package).
  • Tim Peake: Recalls his own cloth advent calendar with daily notes from family; describes how special tangible messages from home are when far away.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “There is this launch fever. … People are just excited for this moment and what it means for, for all of us earthlings.”
  – Kristin Fisher [02:30]

• “By the time they walk across that gangway into the Orion spacecraft, they will all be absolutely… focused on the mission.”
  – Tim Peake [10:39]

• "We do think about it, but we're not in this for the superlatives. ... One day, I hope we don't have to talk about these firsts."
  – Victor Glover (as quoted by Kristen Fisher) [18:00]

• “This collaborative example that we set in the space program is so valuable for humanity…The secret sauce for humanity’s future is how to do these hard things together.”
  – Jeremy Hansen [25:13]

• “At the end of the day, every time you take a risk, you have to also acknowledge it could come to fruition…What I wanted them most to understand is that they will be okay.”
  – Jeremy Hansen [28:40]

• “You're going to have to have faith that whatever we're experiencing is probably normal unless we're convinced it's not.”
  – Jeremy Hansen [31:35]

• "If we are down to our last system that's keeping us alive, we won't leave Earth orbit..."
  – Jeremy Hansen [35:03]

Important Timestamps

• 01:44: Kristin Fisher’s live scene-setting from Florida, weather and “vibe check”
• 03:41: Detailed countdown, tanking and launch sequence explained
• 07:38: Pre-launch crew ritual described
• 11:12: Crew introductions and role breakdowns start
• 13:52: Christina Koch’s unique experience and responsibilities
• 17:43: Discussion of Victor and Christina as “firsts” and representation in space
• 19:43: Flexibility and abort options in mission profile
• 23:23–39:22: In-depth interview with Jeremy Hansen
• 39:26: "What would you take to the Moon?" crew reflections

The Human Tone & Closing Thoughts

The episode is rich with camaraderie, anticipation, and a touch of solemnity about the risks and stakes. There's a palpable sense of pride and awe—for both the technical achievements and the diversity of the Artemis II crew. The hosts and guests frequently reflect on the personal—family, tradition, notes from home—as deeply meaningful in the context of epic exploration. There’s optimism, humility, and a hope that the whole world will “pause for a moment” as Artemis II rounds the far side of the Moon.

“…We are doing this as planet Earth altogether.” – Tim Peake [18:42]

For More

• Listen daily as 13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II continues coverage of this historic mission, with new episodes tracking each day in deep space.
• BBC World Service: 13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II

End of Summary