- Trump awarded the Artemis II crew the Congressional Space Medal of Honor during a ceremony at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
- During the event, Trump signed an executive order to start the 'U.S. Space Academy.'
- The Artemis II crew completed a 10-day mission around the moon in April, marking the first time humans traveled beyond the moon in over 50 years.
- Trump is expected at Johnson Space Center Friday morning to honor the crew of Artemis II.
Former President Trump awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the Artemis II crew at the Johnson Space Center on Friday, recognizing their 10-day mission beyond the moon, the first such journey in over 50 years. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them.3
Only 30 individuals have previously received this honor, which was authorized by Congress in 1969. The award recognizes astronauts who have made exceptional contributions to the welfare of the nation and mankind. Trump emphasized the significance of the mission, stating, "The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of appropriate design, which shall be known as the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, to any astronaut who in the performance of his duties has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and of mankind."
In addition to the awards, Trump signed an executive order to establish the U.S. Space Academy, aiming to foster future generations of space explorers. The event marked a significant moment in U.S. space history, celebrating a new era of exploration and education in space science.
The Artemis II mission, which took place in April, was a pivotal step in NASA's efforts to return humans to the moon and eventually to Mars. The crew's achievements are a testament to the advancements in space exploration and the ongoing commitment to push the boundaries of human capability.
“The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—were the first to travel beyond the moon in over 50 years, setting a record for farthest distance from Earth. Only 30 people had previously received the honor, which Congress authorized in 1969.”
KHOU
ABC13 Houston
