‘Astronomically inspiring’: Georgia Southern students gather to watch Artemis II launch

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - Eyes were turned to the sky across the Southeast as Artemis II lifted off, and students at Georgia Southern University marked the moment together.

The university’s Society of Physics Students hosted a watch party, where members counted down to launch and cheered as the mission got underway.

“It was amazing, everyone at NASA deserves a pat on the back — like they pulled it off, it was incredible,” said Maria Malave, the group’s president.

Student members said they were on the edge of their seats as the clock ticked down, many describing the mission as a milestone they’ve been waiting to see for years.

“These are human beings, we’re rooting for human beings to go someplace we haven’t been in 50 years, so it’s actually an incredible moment for all of us,” said Anthony Gibson, a member of the Society of Physics Students.

Students said the mission’s significance extends beyond the spectacle of launch day and could help shape the future of space exploration.

Students also pointed to the historic nature of Artemis II, noting it will be the first time a person of color and a woman will fly to the moon.

“It is so inspiring to young women… in STEM because one of the mission specialists is a woman,” said Lauren Carey, the organization’s social media manager. “There’s no other word to say it, it’s astronomically inspiring.”

Club leaders said the Society of Physics Students includes members with different backgrounds and areas of interest within physics, and that variety is part of what makes the group work.

“We’re all discussing everything that’s going on, all the different aspects of the mission that you wouldn’t necessarily think of from one field and just see a different point of view, it’s incredible,” Malave said.

Students said Artemis II is a catalyst for what comes next, including future missions that could eventually send astronauts to Mars.

They said they’re eager to see what the crew learns on its journey and what discoveries it brings back when Artemis II returns.