Artemis II: We put your questions to Nasa astronauts

Four astronauts have just traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them, marking a historic milestone in the Artemis II mission. In this special episode of What's in the World, former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson and current astronaut Nicole Stott answer listener questions with rare insight into the realities of deep space travel. The conversation reveals that while the spacecraft is incredibly stable for photography, high velocity still causes motion blur—so astronauts are advised to take as many shots as possible. The biggest challenges aren’t just technical, but human: adapting to microgravity, managing floating objects, and mastering teamwork under extreme conditions. Both astronauts emphasize that the real bottleneck isn’t engineering, but political will and sustained funding. They argue that the moon is not a destination, but a proving ground—essential for preparing humanity for Mars. And perhaps most powerfully, they describe the profound emotional impact of seeing Earth from space: a 'reality check' that redefines our place in the universe and fuels a deep desire to protect our planet. The mission, they say, isn’t just about exploration—it’s about perspective. The episode underscores that the greatest barrier to spaceflight isn’t technology, but collective commitment. As Stott puts it, 'We have to be willing to politically and financially support doing it.