In a heartfelt tribute during the Artemis II mission, astronaut Reid Wiseman and his crew have proposed naming a Moon crater ‘Carroll’ in honor of Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman, who passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 46. This touching gesture was announced shortly after the crew lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1, 2026.
The Artemis II crew, which includes Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, is currently on a mission that has already surpassed the Apollo 13 milestone for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth. The crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego, California, on April 10, 2026.
As part of their mission, the crew also named another crater ‘Integrity’ after the Orion spacecraft, a name that reflects the values of trust and respect among the team. “The name Integrity embodies the foundation of trust, respect, candor, and humility across the crew and the many engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, and dreamers required for mission success,” a NASA representative stated.
The crater ‘Carroll’ is located near Glushko on the Moon’s surface, and the names will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union for approval. This initiative not only honors Wiseman’s personal loss but also symbolizes the deep connections formed in the pursuit of exploration.
During a live broadcast, Hansen poignantly remarked, “We lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie.” This emotional moment resonated with viewers, highlighting the human stories behind the mission.
As the Artemis II crew continues their journey, they will witness a solar eclipse and come within 4,070 miles of the Moon’s surface, marking a significant achievement in space exploration. Following their return, the crew will undergo post-flight medical evaluations to ensure their well-being.
The mission not only aims to advance our understanding of space but also serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices and stories that accompany such endeavors. Reid Wiseman’s tribute to his late wife will forever be etched in the annals of lunar exploration.
As the world watches, the Artemis II mission stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of love and remembrance, even in the vastness of space.
