How astronauts prepare to make history in space

CBS News
March 31, 2026
3 min read

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Retired astronaut joins CBS as contributor as NASA prepares Artemis II moon mission.

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Retired astronaut Terry Virts has joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings as a contributor as NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission, which aims to return astronauts to the moon. Artemis II represents a crucial step in NASA's broader lunar exploration program, building on decades of spaceflight experience but marking the first crewed moon mission since 1972. Virts, who has logged extensive time in space, will provide expert analysis and perspective on the technical and human challenges of preparing astronauts for this high-stakes mission. The countdown for Artemis II underscores renewed momentum in the U.S. space program's push to establish sustained lunar operations and eventually support missions to Mars.

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