How far could you travel in five days? How about 252,756 miles? That’s the distance four NASA astronauts reached on April 6 after five days in space. Three Americans and one Canadian have now traveled farther from Earth than anyone in history.
The four-person crew took flight aboard the Orion spacecraft on April 1. They circled the moon and returned home ten days later, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean after reentering Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 24,000 mph.
The recent lunar flyby mission, named Artemis II, was the first time since 1972 that humans entered the moon’s vicinity, successfully evaluating Orion’s life-support and navigation systems. Artemis III, set for 2027, will test docking procedures with lunar landers in Earth orbit. And Artemis IV intends to put boots on the moon in 2028.
However, mission dates are likely to change, as is common with something as complicated as space travel. Because countless things can go wrong, rigorous testing is vital to success and necessary to protect the astronauts’ lives.
Let’s take a look at the extensive preparation and incredible effort needed for a space mission.
Preparing for Liftoff
In 2023, NASA selected astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen for Artemis II. They trained for nearly three years in anticipation of this year’s launch.
The crew received detailed lessons on the Orion spacecraft and NASA’s Space Launch System. They studied every phase of the mission, from basic procedures to emergency scenarios. They trained to handle the spacecraft, solve problems under pressure, and conduct observations of the moon. They even learned how to capture clear photos from space. From working with ground control to preparing for splashdown, each exercise was designed to help them respond calmly and confidently in any situation.
That’s just a glimpse of the extensive preparation—everything aimed at ensuring they could handle both routine tasks and unexpected challenges during the 10-day mission.
“Training for Artemis II is all risk mitigation. By preparing the astronauts and flight controllers for what they might encounter, we enable mission success,” said Chief Training Officer, Jacki Mahaffey.
Besides all the training, there is the financial cost to consider. A recent article was titled: “Billions Over the Moon: Is Artemis II Worth the Price Tag?” And analysts warn that overall, the cost of the Artemis program could exceed $100 billion.
The amount of time, money, and dedicated effort that go into such a project is truly astronomical. Even so, Artemis is far from the costliest space program.
The Ultimate Price
The most expensive space program was funded by none other than God Himself. It cost the life of His dear Son and our precious Savior, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul says, “You were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), and Peter confirms, “you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, … but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18, 19).
$100 billion is nothing in comparison to the inestimable life of Christ.
During the first phase of His mission, the eternal Son of God became human and “dwelt among us” (John 1:14). And after living a sinless life, He died the death that we deserve (Hebrews 4:15; Isaiah 53:5). His perfect execution of the mission gives Him the right to return and retrieve His “purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:14).
Take comfort in Jesus’ words: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2, 3).
The Final Launch
When Christ returns, the world will take notice. Indeed, no one will miss it, for “every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). Jesus said, “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect … from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:30, 31).
“Prepare to meet your God.”
This phase of the heavenly space program will not be like the first. Jesus’ feet will not touch the ground. Instead, He will summon His saints, both living and dead, to meet Him in the air. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
Christians have waited thousands of years for this moment—the final launch from a dying planet. It will take us well beyond 252,756 miles, beyond our solar system, beyond our galaxy, to the home of our heavenly father.
Are You Space Ready?
The Artemis II astronauts rigorously prepared for their mission around the moon, and rightly so. How much more should Christians be preparing to take flight, considering our eternal destinies are at stake? We are urged: “Prepare to meet your God” (Amos 4:12).
A massive earthquake will accompany Christ’s return, “such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth” (Revelation 16:18). Islands will disappear into the sea, and mountains will crumble (v. 20). These events will terrify the unprepared, but the saints will rejoice at the appearance of their Savior, saying, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us” (Isaiah 25:9).
Jesus is coming soon. Are you preparing for the launch into eternity?
Check out this study guide to learn more about Christ’s second coming and how to be ready.
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