Artemis II: Backup Crew

In this episode of Houston We Have a Podcast, hosts Leah Cheshire and guests Andre Douglas and Jenny Gibbons, the backup crew for NASA's historic Artemis II mission, share an in-depth look at their critical yet often overlooked roles in the mission's success. Though they did not fly to the moon, Douglas and Gibbons were deeply involved in training, emergency preparedness, and mission support—serving as astronaut support personnel, Capcoms, and even 'guinea pigs' for new procedures and simulations. They discuss their unique experiences preparing for the first crewed Orion flight, including emergency egress drills, pre-launch crew support, and geology training in Iceland. The conversation reveals how their work laid the foundation for future Artemis missions, effectively writing the playbook for ground operations and crew support in a developmental program. Both guests reflect on the emotional weight of launch day, the camaraderie built through shared challenges, and the profound sense of being 'plank owners' of a new era in spaceflight. Their insights highlight the immense behind-the-scenes effort required to make human spaceflight possible, emphasizing teamwork, adaptability, and resilience. Key takeaways include: 1) Backup crew members are not just 'stand-ins' but essential contributors who shape mission protocols and safety systems; 2) Training for new programs like Artemis requires a 'developmental mindset'—embracing uncertainty and iteration; 3) The emotional and logistical demands of supporting a mission are intense, requiring sustained focus and personal sacrifice; 4) Real-world analogs like geology trips in Iceland build critical team cohesion and operational readiness; 5) The experience of being part of a first-of-its-kind mission creates lasting professional and personal growth, even without flying. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that spaceflight success is a collective achievement, built on the invisible labor of many.