Your Kids Asked the Artemis Astronauts Questions. They Answered.
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In this special episode of The Daily, hosts Rachel Abrams and Ezra Klein explore the emotional and philosophical impact of the Artemis II mission through questions submitted by children. The astronauts—Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—share their awe at seeing the far side of the moon, the fragility of Earth’s atmosphere, and the profound sense of unity and gratitude they felt during their 10-day journey. They discuss how space travel reshaped their perspective on life, emphasizing curiosity, persistence, teamwork, and humility as essential qualities for future explorers. The conversation also delves into the practical realities of life in space, from eating tortillas with Nutella to the challenges of using the toilet in microgravity. A deeply moving moment comes when the crew honors the late wife of astronaut Victor Glover by naming a lunar crater after her, a gesture that bonded the crew and moved their daughters in mission control. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on Earth’s rarity and beauty, urging listeners to appreciate the simple wonders of nature and to focus their attention on what unites us rather than divides us.
The view of Earth from space reveals its fragility and the extraordinary improbability of life, fostering deep gratitude and a renewed sense of responsibility.
Curiosity, persistence, teamwork, and humility are the foundational qualities that enable people to become astronauts—and can be cultivated by anyone.
The experience of weightlessness dissolves the concept of 'up' and 'down,' reshaping how we perceive space and our place within it.
Even in the vast emptiness of space, the astronauts felt a profound longing for Earth and a deep connection to the people they love.
Naming a lunar crater after a loved one transformed a personal loss into a lasting tribute, symbolizing how space exploration can be deeply human and emotional.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: The Wonder of Space and the Power of Children's Questions
Rachel Abrams introduces the episode by acknowledging the emotional complexity of the present moment and sets the stage for a special conversation with the Artemis II astronauts, inspired by questions from children.
Children's Questions: From Pizza in Space to the Dark Side of the Moon
“How did you get to the moon without using Google Maps?”
The Far Side of the Moon: Awe, Wonder, and the Human Experience
“We did take a moment, but then it was right back into the work. I haven't found good words to describe it, but how it felt was overwhelming.”
Life in Space: Food, Sleep, and the Reality of Microgravity
“I didn't put quite enough water in it to rehydrate it. So when I opened it, there was crumbs of oatmeal that just started floating out. And I don't mean like two crumbs. I mean like 10,000 crumbs.”
The Fragility of Earth: A New Perspective on Our Planet
“The extension right there, this tiny, it's like two little tiny whiskers coming off the edge of earth. It's the whole atmosphere. It's everything that keeps us alive.”
“The extension right there, this tiny, it's like two little tiny whiskers coming off the edge of earth. It's the whole atmosphere. It's everything that keeps us alive.”
“That was the moment that our crew coalesced, and I think we were bonded there forever.”
“You have to leave and look back and then come back to realize the simplest little thing can be the most impressive thing you've seen all week.”
Hosts
Guests
Earth
other
Moon
other
Artemis II
other
Jeremy Hansen
person
Victor Glover
person
Christina Koch
person
Reed Wiseman
person
Space Toilet
other
Far Side of the Moon
other
Carol Glover
person
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