To the Moon and Beyond!

Time 

Artemis 2 Launch
Cape Canaveral, FL
April 1, 2026

It is the first time, all over again!

 It has been more than 50 years since a crewed spacecraft from this planet ventured to the moon and beyond. 

The Artemis 2 launch yesterday was fantastic and rekindled the explorer spirit in many. But, let's not forget the men who preceded this mission over 50 years ago. We have been to the Moon before--but not in a very long time. 

Apollo 8 blazed the trail during December 1968, becoming the first crewed spacecraft to leave Earth orbit and reach the Moon. They did not land on the Moon, but paved the way for the eventual Moon landing during July 1969 by the astronauts of Apollo 11. 

But we have not been to the Moon in a half-century. We are starting over, but this time aided by immensely improved computers and 50 years of technological progress in outer space operations and materials. 

I only wish that I had been at home in Florida to see the launch in person.

Godspeed to the four astronauts!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD