Right now, four human beings are hurtling through deep space at 24,000 mph. For the first time since 1972, humans are looking back at a shrinking blue marble on the Artemis II mission.

But how did we actually get here?

In this premiere episode of Sidequests, we headfirst down the rabbit hole of the 23-year political odyssey behind a ten-day mission. From the tragic 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster to the birth of the “Senate Launch System,” we explore the shifting goals, budget battles, and pure endurance that kept the dream of returning to the Moon alive.

Meet the incredible crew making history—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—and discover why this mission is the ultimate stress test for the future of human space exploration. The screw-up took 23 years. The mission takes ten days. They’re out there right now, crossing the void. Let’s trace their path.

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