Artemis II pilot thanks NASA for letting him fly Orion by hand: 'I'm still blown away by that trust'

During an event held on August 3, 2026, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, the Artemis II crew expressed their gratitude to NASA and its contractors. Over eight thousand people were present as the astronauts voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to pilot the Orion spacecraft by hand. Commander Victor Flora specifically stated he was still profoundly moved by the level of trust placed in him during this critical maneuver. The demonstration highlighted a key aspect of the mission’s design and operational procedures. This moment underscored the collaborative effort between NASA and its partners in preparing for humanity's return to the Moon.