Artemis II Crew Proposes Naming Moon Crater After Commander Reid Wiseman's Late Wife

On April 6, 2026, the Artemis II crew achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the Apollo 13 mission's record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth, reaching approximately 252,756 miles. During this historic lunar flyby, the crew proposed naming two newly discovered craters on the Moon, one of which was dedicated to Carroll Wiseman, the late wife of mission commander Reid Wiseman, who passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 46.

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Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, speaking on behalf of the crew, made the emotional request to Mission Control, stating, “A number of years ago, we started this journey in our close-knit astronaut family, and we lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie.” Hansen described the crater as a "bright spot on the moon" that can be seen from Earth during certain lunar transits. The other crater was proposed to be named "Integrity," in honor of their spacecraft.

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Carroll Taylor Wiseman was a dedicated pediatric nurse practitioner who spent her career caring for newborns in intensive care. She worked at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, and later as a school nurse in Texas. Reid Wiseman has described his time as a single father to their two daughters, Katie and Ellie, as both his greatest challenge and most rewarding experience.

Artemis II crew tear up over idea of naming moon crater after astronaut’s late wife

The moment was marked by a collective embrace among the crew members, visibly moved by the tribute. Hansen's voice broke as he delivered the request, and the crew shared tears and hugs in the zero-gravity environment of the Orion spacecraft. This poignant moment was broadcast live, capturing the emotional weight of the tribute amidst their historic journey.

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Following the mission, the proposed names for the craters will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the organization responsible for naming celestial bodies and their features. The IAU's approval process can take time, as seen with previous naming proposals, such as Jim Lovell's "Mount Marilyn," which was not officially recognized until 2017.

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The naming of lunar features serves not only as a personal tribute but also as a reminder of the human stories intertwined with space exploration. The Artemis II mission, which is part of NASA's broader Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon, emphasizes the importance of both scientific achievement and personal connections in the realm of space travel.

Artemis II Astronauts Name Lunar Craters After Commander's Late Wife and Spacecraft

As the Artemis II crew continues their journey back to Earth, the proposed naming of the Carroll crater stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of love and remembrance, marking a significant moment in both personal and space exploration history. The crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego on April 10, 2026, concluding their historic mission.

Artemis II Astronauts Name Lunar Craters After Commander's Late Wife and Spacecraft