Alexander Gerst

„Wir begannen als Wanderer, und wir sind immer noch Wanderer.“ Heute beginnt die zweite Welle der Erforschung des Weltraums. Vier von uns brechen auf, um weiter zu reisen als je ein Mensch zuvor, um zu sehen, was noch kein Mensch je gesehen hat. Und mit der Kraft dieser Welle werden wir dauerhaft als Forschende auf dem Mond bleiben – so wie wir es in der Antarktis getan haben. Europa und Deutschland sind Teil dieses Abenteuers – das erfüllt mich mit Freude. Gute Reise, Reid, Christina, Victor und Jeremy! Ich kann es kaum erwarten, den Donner eures Aufbruchs zu spüren – und freue mich noch mehr auf eure Rückkehr in 10 Tagen, zu dieser wunderschönen blauen Murmel, mit einer Geschichte, die uns alle berühren wird. @NASAArtemis @esaspaceflight

Nach dem Flug ist vor dem Flug

Artemis II may have splashed down, but our photos and videos from the mission are still rolling in! Keep an eye on the latest: nasa.gov/artemis-ii-mul…

🛰️ Our European Service Module has successfully separated from Orion's crew module! 🚀 After propelling the spacecraft over 1 million km in deep space, it will now burn up in Earth's atmosphere, as the astronauts continue their journey home 🌍

One last look at Earth before we reach the Moon. This view of the Earth was captured on April 5, the fourth day of the Artemis II mission, from inside the Orion spacecraft. The four astronauts will reach their closest approach of the Moon tomorrow, April 6.

There are no words.

@astro_reid In this image, also taken from the Orion capsule, we see the divide between night and day, known as the terminator, cutting across Earth. Whether awake or dreaming, we're all here on this planet together.

"We can see the Moon out of the docking hatch right now. It's a beautiful sight." Flight day 3 is in the books, and our @NASAArtemis II crew is now closer to the Moon than to Earth. Check out highlights from our lunar mission. What’s been your favorite moment so far?

This view just hits different 🌍 @Astro_Christina and @astro_reid take a moment to look back at Earth as they continue deep into space toward the Moon.

#Artemis II update: Orion has separated from the rocket's upper stage 🚀 Our European Service Module is in the driving seat!

Godspeed my friends. I don’t have words to describe this feeling. Say hi to the Moon, and see you in 10 days.

Only a few kilometers from here, four humans prepare to leave this planet on the largest rocket ever that carried humans, to venture out behind the Moon, further than any human being has ever traveled away from their planet. How would you feel if it's some of your best friends on that rocket? 🚀🌕 #Artemis @astro_reid @Astro_Christina @AstroVicGlover @Astro_Jeremy @NASAArtemis @esa @esaspaceflight

Arrived on site with @astro_matthias. 6 hours to go

Only a few hours until the very first #Artemis mission that carries humans into space, father than ever before. How important is international cooperation in this amazing endeavour, and what is the role of Europe in this? By building and providing the European Service Module, the element that powers the spacecraft and supplies air, water, electricity, and propulsion, Europe will travel around the Moon with the Artemis II astronauts. It’s a powerful reminder that exploration has no borders. When we go not just as nations, but as humanity to explore our eighth continent, we can achieve big things. Amazing to think that on one of the upcoming missions, a European astronaut will be part of the crew. @esa @esaspaceflight @NASAArtemis

"We began as wanderers once, and we are wanderers still." Today marks the beginning of the second wave of space exploration, with 4 of our species venturing out farther than any human has gone before, seeing what no human has seen before. And with the force of this wave, just like we did in Antarctica, we will stay. It makes me happy to see Europe being part of this adventure. Godspeed my friends Reid, Christina, Victor and Jeremy! I can’t wait to feel the thunder of you leaving our planet. And even more so, to see you back on this beautiful pale blue dot in 10 days, to tell an amazing tale. @astro_reid @Astro_Christina @AstroVicGlover @Astro_Jeremy @NASAArtemis @esaspaceflight

When I was in Florida for the Crew-12 launch, Melanie Cowan asked me how it’s like for an astronaut to live with delays and uncertainties around a space launch - like the ones my friends of the Artemis II crew are experiencing right now.🚀🌕

Congratulations to the @NASA #Artemis team for mastering this second wet dress rehearsal successfully. I'm looking forward to the next launch window in March. By the way, here‘s why the first rehearsal earlier this month had to be repeated, and why that is actually a good thing.🌕🚀

What a moment to watch a colleague you’ve supported along their journey finally lift off 🚀 It’s a mix of emotions - the tension as you cross fingers and toes that everything goes well, and at the same time the excitement for them as they’re about to begin the same adventure you experienced years ago. The ISS is one of humanity’s most unique workplaces. Living and working up there is an adventure that changes you forever. Best of luck, @Soph_astro , Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway and Andrej Fedyaev!!! Enjoy every second of your Epsilon mission. We’re all looking forward to your safe, happy and healthy return 🌍

Wow. LETS GO!!!

My highlight of the week: helicopter-under water escape training 🌊🚁 After returning from space, astronauts typically land with their spacecraft in the ocean. We are retrieved by an incredible team of Flight Surgeons and Crew Support Officers, who pick us up by helicopter and bring us safely back to land. And as always, we also prepare for things that might go wrong there. Training to escape from a capsized helicopter is essential not only for astronauts, but for the entire crew involved. In the event of an emergency water landing, the team only has a few seconds to get out -helicopters are top-heavy, so they can overturn and sink quickly. To prepare us for every possible scenario, the instructors challenged us in all kinds of ways: tinted goggles that block visibility, climbing out through a different window than the one next to us, escaping without using our emergency air supply, and more. All of it designed to help us stay calm and focused - no matter what might happen in an emergency. It’s the kind of training no one ever hopes to use in real life, but if you do, it’s absolutely critical. @esa