Podcast Summary: Global News Podcast – Special Feature: 13 Minutes Presents Artemis II
Host: BBC World Service
Episode Date: March 30, 2026
Special Segment: Preview of the BBC Space Podcast "13 Minutes Presents Artemis II"
Episode Overview
This episode features a special segment highlighting the upcoming coverage of NASA’s Artemis II mission on the BBC’s space podcast, "13 Minutes Presents." The segment explores the significance of humanity’s return to the Moon, provides insights from expert contributors, and teases what listeners can expect from the daily podcast as the mission unfolds.
Note: The main news stories from the Middle East are not included in this promotional segment.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Artemis II Mission: Humanity Returns to the Moon
- Milestone: Artemis II will be the first crewed mission to fly around the Moon in over 50 years, following the last Apollo mission in 1972.
- Scope: NASA is sending four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby, aiming to send humans further from Earth than ever before.
- Importance: The mission represents the start of a new era in human space exploration.
"It's more than half a century since anyone went to the moon...The Apollo missions came to an end in 1972, but now humans are set to return."
— Maggie Adairin Pocock (01:48)
Introducing the Special Artemis II Podcast
- "13 Minutes Presents" will provide daily, real-time coverage throughout the Artemis II mission.
- Hosted by space scientist Maggie Adairin Pocock, together with astronaut Tim Peake and former CNN space correspondent Christine Fisher.
"If you haven't yet discovered 13 minutes, previous seasons have told the story of the first moon landing, the near disaster of Apollo 13 and the space shuttle story. And now I'm going to be bringing you a space story in real time as it happens."
— Maggie Adairin Pocock (02:47)
The People Making Artemis II Possible
- Tribute to the thousands of NASA staff, engineers, trainers, mission controllers, and recovery teams who enable such missions.
- Emphasizes the collaborative and global nature of space exploration.
"The thousands of people that have brought us to this moment. The thousands of people that have been working here 24/7 preparing us for this rollout...The controllers that will look out for them on space, the recovery crews that'll bring them safely home"
— Maggie Adairin Pocock (paraphrasing NASA contributors) (03:27)
Expert Contributors
-
Tim Peake: British astronaut who spent 186 days on the ISS, performed a spacewalk, ran a marathon, and contributed to over 250 experiments.
"Having lived and worked in space, I know just how extraordinary these missions are. Not only for the astronauts, but for everyone on the ground who makes them possible."
— Tim Peake (as introduced and quoted, 04:16) -
Christine Fisher: Raised in a family of astronauts, brings insider perspective and journalistic experience.
"Yeah, Maggie, I grew up surrounded by astronauts and spaceflight, but Artemis 2 does feel different. This is the beginning of a whole new era of exploration."
— Christine Fisher (04:50) -
BBC Science Team: Will contribute latest news and analytical segments.
The Historical Context
- Archive audio from Apollo 17 underscores the legacy and emotional weight of lunar missions.
"And as we leave the moon in Taurus Littrow, we leave as we came and God willing as we shall return with peace and hope for all mankind."
— Apollo 17 Crew Member (01:27)
What Listeners Can Expect
- Up-to-the-minute news, in-depth mission breakdowns, and interviews with key players in the Artemis II journey.
- Coverage aims to be educational, inspiring, and accessible.
"Search for 13 Minutes presents Artemis 2. Wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode."
— Maggie Adairin Pocock (05:06)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
-
(01:27) Apollo 17 Farewell Message:
"And as we leave the moon in Taurus Littrow...Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17." -
(01:48) Maggie Adairin Pocock:
Reflecting on the gap since the last crewed Moon mission and the impact of Artemis II. -
(02:47) Maggie Adairin Pocock:
Explaining the mission and the real-time podcast coverage. -
(03:27) Acknowledgment of Supporting Teams:
Poignant tribute to everyone behind the scenes. -
(04:16) Tim Peake:
Sharing perspective on space missions’ broader significance. -
(04:50) Christine Fisher:
Personal testimony on the excitement of Artemis II as a new chapter. -
(05:01) Apollo 17 Voice Clip:
"We rise together back to the moon and beyond."
Important Segments & Timestamps
- 01:08 — Introduction to the Artemis II-focused "13 Minutes Presents" podcast
- 01:27 — Apollo 17 archival clip: message of peace and hope
- 01:48 — Maggie Adairin Pocock describes the new lunar mission and its significance
- 02:47 — Overview of the new podcast format and team
- 03:27 — Homage to the NASA team and support staff
- 03:57 — Tim Peake’s credentials and contributions
- 04:38 — Introducing Christine Fisher and her unique family history
- 05:01 — Apollo 17 closing statement, symbolizing continuity and inspiration
- 05:06 — Instructions on how to follow or subscribe to the podcast for coverage
Tone and Language
The tone is enthusiastic, reverent, and hopeful—reflecting the awe and global significance of renewed lunar exploration. Speakers blend technical insight with accessible storytelling, aiming to excite both space enthusiasts and general listeners.
Summary
"13 Minutes Presents Artemis II" promises to be a daily, real-time chronicle of one of humanity’s most ambitious recent journeys: NASA’s 10-day Artemis II mission around the Moon. Expert hosts, historic context, and behind-the-scenes insights are at the heart of this new podcast series, making it compelling listening for anyone interested in the next giant leap in space exploration.