Key moments
On April 6, 2026, astronaut Reid Wiseman and the Artemis II crew made history by surpassing a record distance from Earth, reaching 248,655 miles. This milestone is part of their mission to explore the Moon, and it comes with a poignant tribute to Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll Wiseman, who passed away from cancer in 2020.
Reid Wiseman, who became a widow at the age of 44 when Carroll died at 46 after a five-year battle with cancer, shared a heartfelt moment with his daughters before the mission. He expressed his pride as a father, stating, “I love these two ladies.” This personal connection adds depth to the mission as it unfolds in the vastness of space.
The Artemis II crew, which includes fellow astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, proposed naming a crater on the Moon “Carroll” in honor of Reid’s late wife. Hansen remarked, “We would like to call it Carroll. It’s a bright spot on the Moon. And we would like to call it Carroll,” highlighting the emotional significance of this gesture.
The proposal for the crater name will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union after the mission concludes. This act serves not only as a tribute to Carroll Wiseman’s memory but also as a recognition of her contributions as a pediatric nurse practitioner who worked tirelessly in various hospitals and schools.
As the Artemis II mission continues, it is expected to reach an anticipated furthest distance from Earth of 252,760 miles. This distance surpasses the previous record set by Apollo 13, which stood at 248,655 miles. The mission marks a significant step in NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore lunar and Martian environments.
Reid Wiseman’s journey is not just about space exploration; it also reflects the personal challenges he has faced since Carroll’s passing. NASA noted, “Despite a long list of professional accolades, Reid considers his time as an only parent as his greatest challenge and the most rewarding phase of his life.” This sentiment underscores the dual nature of his experience as an astronaut and a father.
As the mission progresses, the emotional weight of the crater naming proposal resonates deeply with Wiseman and his family. Six years after Carroll’s death, the naming serves as a reminder of her legacy and the impact she had on those around her. The mission not only aims to push the boundaries of human exploration but also to honor the memories of loved ones.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final approval of the crater name, but the sentiment behind it remains clear: a tribute to love, loss, and the enduring spirit of exploration.
