Speaker Johnson invites Artemis II crew to State of the Union

Speaker Johnson invited the Artemis II crew to attend the State of the Union to highlight Louisiana's role in the program, where a rocket stage was built at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility; Artemis II is scheduled as a 10-day lunar flyby this year.

Speaker Mike Johnson invited the Artemis II crew to attend the State of the Union Address as his guests. He said the invitation was intended to highlight Louisiana's role in manufacturing parts for NASA's Artemis program. The primary rocket stage for the mission was built at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Artemis II is planned as a 10-day lunar flyby this year as NASA moves toward a longer-term presence on the Moon. Known details: - Johnson invited commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen to be his guests at the State of the Union Address. - Johnson described the crew as "brave and courageous" in a statement first shared with Axios. - The rocket stage for the mission was constructed at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. - Artemis II is scheduled as a 10-day lunar flyby taking place this year as NASA plans future Moon and Mars missions. Summary: The invited appearance links a major congressional event to the Artemis II mission and to Louisiana's manufacturing contribution. It highlights the Michoud-built rocket stage and the upcoming lunar flyby. The crew's attendance is set for the State of the Union Address. Further public plans have not been announced.