Artemis II Astronauts Honor Late Spouse with Lunar Crater Dedication

On April 6, 2026, NASA's Artemis II crew achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the Apollo 13 mission's record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by humans, reaching approximately 252,760 miles (406,778 kilometers) away. During this historic lunar flyby, the astronauts took a moment to honor the late Carroll Taylor Wiseman, the wife of mission commander Reid Wiseman, who passed away from cancer in 2020. The crew proposed naming a newly identified crater on the moon "Carroll," a gesture that resonated deeply with the team and was broadcast live to audiences worldwide.

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As the crew approached the lunar surface, mission specialist Jeremy Hansen articulated the emotional significance of the moment. "It’s a bright spot on the moon. And we would like to call it Carroll," he stated, his voice breaking with emotion. The crater, located northwest of the Glushko crater, is visible from Earth at certain times during the moon's transit. The crew shared a collective embrace as they dedicated the crater to Wiseman's late wife, reflecting on their close-knit astronaut family and the loss they experienced.

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Reid Wiseman, a former fighter pilot, has been raising their two daughters, Ellie and Katie, alone since Carroll's passing. His journey to becoming an astronaut was significantly influenced by Carroll, who encouraged him to pursue his dreams even during her illness. In a previous interview, Wiseman described his time as a single parent as both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the support he received from his family and the astronaut community.

New York Times

NASA confirmed that the names proposed by the Artemis II crew would be submitted to the International Astronomical Union, which oversees the naming of celestial bodies. A NASA spokesperson noted the importance of this dedication, emphasizing the emotional weight it carried for the astronauts and their families. Hansen also remarked on the significance of the moment, stating, "We most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next, to make sure this record is not long-lived."

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Following the lunar observations, the Artemis II crew is expected to conclude their mission and return to Earth, with a planned splashdown off the coast of San Diego, California, on April 10, 2026. The mission not only marks a new chapter in human space exploration but also serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made by astronauts and their families.

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• “It’s a bright spot on the moon. And we would like to call it Carroll,” — Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

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• “A number of years ago we started this journey in our close-knit astronaut family, and we lost a loved one,” — Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

New York Times

• “We most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next, to make sure this record is not long-lived,” — Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

CP24

This dedication not only honors Carroll Wiseman's memory but also solidifies the Artemis II crew's place in the annals of space exploration history.

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