Jenna interviews space journalist Kristin Fisher of Endless Void Studios about why NASA’s Artemis II mission matters, framing it as a choice to lead or follow as China and others pursue the Moon.

The daughter of two NASA astronauts, Fisher says success is simply returning the four astronauts safely, calling it NASA’s riskiest human test flight since Apollo because this rocket has flown only once and, after a certain part of the journey (a trans-lunar injection) there is no rescue option.

She explains recent delays stemmed from hydrogen/helium leak issues and notes a “point of no return” before a single lunar slingshot flyby that will set a human distance record.

Kristin describes the importance of the “lunar base” competition between the U.S., Russia and China for “property” at the Moon’s south pole - a key spot for potential ice that carries huge national security implications.

Fisher also shares the details of her “Launch Party” live coverage aimed at space-curious viewers.

00:00 Why Artemis II Matters

01:11 Leading the Moon Return

02:29 Defining Mission Success

03:43 Human Risk and Reality

05:54 Hydrogen Leak Delays

08:47 Countdown and Launch Day

11:59 Flight Plan to the Moon

13:33 Why This Crew Won’t Land On the Moon

14:42 Stakes of the Space Race 2.0

17:33 Launch Party Coverage

20:47 Final Thanks

Kristin Fischer:
Launch Party
Endless Void Studios
Instagram

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Why Artemis II Matters: Risks And The New Space Race