The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration is about to write a new chapter in the history of space exploration. The agency is preparing for the launch of Artemis II , a mission that will mark the return of crewed flights around the moon after more than half a century. In addition to its technical relevance, the project stands out for integrating a crew that symbolizes a new stage in terms of representation: It will include the first woman, the first Black person, and the first non-US astronaut to travel to the lunar environment. The names of the members were announced a little more than three years ago. At that time, then-NASA administrator Bill Nelson said, “The Artemis II crew represents thousands of people working tirelessly to take us to the stars. This is the crew of humanity. Each has his or her own story, but together they embody our credo: E pluribus unum , or ‘Out of many, one.’” After several postponements, the launch is scheduled for April 1.…