Watching a rocket launch in person is one of the most exhilarating experiences.
When the Artemis II rocket ignited on April 1, the sky lit up so bright it was like looking into the sun, and moments later, the delayed roar hit — a heavy feeling deep in the chest, powerful and unforgettable, rattling through the body long after liftoff. You don’t just watch a rocket launch, you feel it.
The thrilling Artemis experience was also shared by millions around the world when the capsule splashed down safely on April 10.
For the first time in 53 years, humans had traveled to the moon and returned.
This mission carried not just astronauts but history, and the hopes and aspirations of so many who dare to dream. As astronaut Victor Glover said, “It’s about human history. It’s the story of humanity.”
NASA’s goal is not simply to visit the moon again, but to build a sustained human presence there, and ultimately onward to Mars. At splashdown, we witnessed a starting point, not an ending.
Perhaps more important than any engineering milestone was something less tangible: Artemis II captured people’s imagination and unified the world in wonder.
Artemis II’s success is a reminder that breakthroughs of this scale are only possible through teamwork and a highly skilled workforce.
As the space economy grows, so does the demand for a workforce to support it — people trained not only in science and engineering, but in a wide range of disciplines that modern space exploration requires.
This workforce includes engineers, scientists, educators, communicators, technicians, nutritionists and healthcare professionals.
Moments like this remind us why exploration matters. They inspire the next generation, strengthen our workforce and bring people together in pursuit of something bigger than themselves.
At UT San Antonio, students are already shaping the future of space exploration.
Through programs such as the NASA SUITS Challenge and Micro-g NExT Challenge, along with internships through the NASA Office of STEM Engagement, students from UT San Antonio are part of the Artemis Generation and can step directly into this mission through their coursework.
UT San Antonio’s STEM programs, research opportunities and initiatives like the Discovery by Design Challenge connect students to real aerospace pathways.
These are the future engineers, researchers and innovators who will design the next generation of spacecraft, develop new technologies and help answer some of humanity’s oldest questions.
That is where Texas has a critical role to play.
Houston has long been at the heart of America’s human spaceflight program, and the state is seeing increased investment in space through initiatives like the Texas Space Commission.
Our responsibility as educators is to nurture that curiosity in students across the state and keep building the pathways that lead through it.
The Artemis program is a mission for all of us.
As NASA often says, per aspera ad astra — through hardships to the stars. With continued investment, collaboration and vision, Texas will help ensure this journey continues and thrives.
The moon is the steppingstone to Mars and beyond, for all humankind.
