Episode•September 12, 2025•46 min
Artemis II: Launch
NASA Artemis II launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson shares her path to the console and what it takes to launch the first crewed Artemis mission to the Moon. HWHAP 401.
Key Takeaways
- 1
The power of mentorship and early inspiration
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson traces her career back to watching Apollo moon landings in grade school.
A high school physics teacher encouraged her to pursue engineering, a pivotal moment that shaped her professional path.
She emphasizes the importance of hard work and the belief that no goal is impossible.
- 2
Human spaceflight as the ultimate team sport
Success in launching missions like Artemis II relies on a massive, distributed team across multiple NASA centers.
Blackwell-Thompson uses the 'Green for Go' bracelet tradition as a personal and team symbol of commitment and unity.
She highlights the necessity of cross-center partnership, particularly between launch control and flight control.
- 3
The evolution of the launch director role
Transitioning from the Space Shuttle program to Artemis, Blackwell-Thompson focuses on building a foundation for future exploration.
The role involves managing complex technical challenges, rigorous training, and maintaining 'launch commit criteria' to ensure safety.
She emphasizes that the launch director's job is to execute the mission with the team, not as a solo effort.
- 4
Artemis II: A mission focused on crew capability
While Artemis I tested the rocket's capabilities, Artemis II is specifically designed to test Orion's systems for human crew.
The mission marks the first time humans will orbit the moon in over 50 years, serving as a critical step toward future lunar landings.
Key milestones include crew walkout, terminal countdown, and the integration of the spacecraft with the rocket stack.
Intro
- NASA's Artemis II mission represents a historic step in returning humans to the Moon. In this episode, Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson discusses her journey to the console and the preparations for this landmark crewed mission.
- Charlie Blackwell-Thompson is the NASA Artemis Launch Director, with over 30 years of experience at Kennedy Space Center, including roles in the Space Shuttle program and countdown operations.
– Early Influences and Path to Engineering
- Charlie shares how watching Apollo moon landings in school and a supportive physics teacher led her to pursue engineering.
I can remember with my classmates when... They would bring the TV in on a cart. It was a big deal. And so I can recall just that curiosity, that excitement of watching those Apollo missions with my classmates.
– First Impressions of Firing Room One
- Reflecting on her first visit to Kennedy Space Center, Charlie describes the lasting impact of seeing Firing Room One, where she now leads Artemis launches.
I knew in that moment, I want to work in this firing room. I want to have a place in this room one day.
– Team Culture and Traditions
- Charlie discusses the importance of team unity and her personal tradition of wearing green bracelets to signify 'Green for Go'.
We don't play for the name on the back of our jersey. We play for the name on the front. And the name on the front of our jersey says Artemis.
– Artemis II Milestones and Preparation
- An overview of the current processing status of the rocket and the upcoming milestones leading to the launch.
- Booster stacking
- Core and upper stage mating
- Orion processing
- Countdown demonstration test
- Rollout to the pad
– What to Watch for on Launch Day
- Charlie outlines the critical moments viewers should look for during the live broadcast of the Artemis II launch.
- Crew walkout from the crew quarters
- T-minus 10 minute final poll
- Terminal count sequence
- Core stage engine start and ignition
Resources
Topics
Artemis IINASASpace ExplorationEngineeringLeadershipLaunch OperationsSTEM EducationHuman Spaceflight