What Christina Koch Said About Leaving Earth Is Hitting People Hard
NASA astronaut Christina Koch returned from the historic Artemis II lunar flyby mission with a wealth of new research for scientists to explore — and with a new perspective about life on Earth.
The four-person Artemis II crew spent 10 days in space, traveling further away from Earth than any humans in history. They splashed down off the coast of San Diego last Friday, and reunited with their families at Houston's Johnson Space Center on Saturday.
One week since the crew's return to Earth, Koch posted an emotional message on social media — acknowledging the beauty of the simple things in life.
"This moment," Koch wrote on Instagram. "People often ask if I was scared. My answer is I was aware of the risks. When I left my home for the last time on March 27, I looked around and thought about how much I loved my humble little life.
"Unexpectedly, a part of me started to miss it terribly for the small chance in the future that could come to be."
"I know a morning cup of coffee on the porch with your best friend is a simple and universally small thing. But it is also everything," she concluded.
This message resonated with many of Koch's followers.
"Perfectly written," Artemis II mission commander Reid Wiseman wrote.
"The little things are everything, and thank you for reminding us all of that. We are so happy you are home safe," another said.
"It IS absolutely everything. The little things ARE the big things. We are so so glad to have you here back with us," another added.
"I think I speak for everyone when I say, we are SO happy you made it back safe and sound. You deserve all the relaxation," another wrote.
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
During a Thursday panel appearance alongside her crew mates — Wiseman, Victor Glover and Jermey Hansen — Koch expressed gratitude for the support they've received from around the world.
“I cannot overstate how important that was to us,” Koch said. “It was every bit as important as accomplishing the technical goals and being there for our NASA teammates was to make this the world’s mission.”