Mark Strassmann’s Interview with Artemis II Astronauts

In this special episode of The Takeout with Major Garrett, CBS News correspondent Mark Strassman shares a live interview with the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo. The astronauts—Jeremy, Victor, and two others—reflect on their emotional and awe-inspiring journey, describing the profound impact of seeing Earth shrink from 30 miles away to a distant blue marble, and the surreal experience of witnessing the moon’s far side for the first time. They discuss the overwhelming sense of unity and fragility of life on Earth, the deep gratitude for being part of humanity’s next great leap, and the personal reflections sparked by being so far from home. The conversation also touches on messages for young people, the importance of passion and perseverance, and the spiritual significance of their vantage point in space, culminating in a powerful meditation on human connection during the lunar flyby’s radio silence. The episode ends with a heartfelt thank-you to the ground team, including a nod to 'Christina, the space plumber,' underscoring the collaborative effort behind the mission.