Reality television personality Louise Thompson has stirred controversy by declaring the historic Artemis II space mission a "wild hoax," despite the entire voyage being publicly livestreamed online. The comments, shared via her Instagram Stories, have reignited debates about space exploration authenticity, echoing longstanding conspiracy theories surrounding the 1969 moon landing.
Historic Mission Completion and Celebrations
On Friday, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, successfully concluded a groundbreaking ten-day mission. The crew traveled around the moon and ventured farther into space than any humans in history, marking a monumental achievement for international space collaboration. Their safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean was met with widespread acclaim, with fans globally praising the awe-inspiring moment as a triumph of human ingenuity.
Thompson's Skeptical Social Media Posts
However, Louise Thompson has publicly cast doubt on the mission's legitimacy. In a series of Instagram Stories posted from a weekend retreat with her fiancé Ryan Libbey, their son Leo, her brother Sam Thompson, and his girlfriend Talitha Balinska, Thompson expressed skepticism. She wrote, "I just had a one hour nap and it was delicious. I happened to see something about the Artemis space mission when I woke up, and I can't help but think that it's all a wild hoax."
Thompson specifically questioned photographs of the rocket's splashdown in the Pacific, adding, "I'm sorry but photos of part of the rocket landing in the Pacific just look a little," accompanied by a confused emoji. These remarks have fueled discussions among conspiracy theorists who similarly doubt previous space milestones.
Astronauts' Emotional Return and Reflections
Meanwhile, the Artemis II crew received a standing ovation on Saturday upon returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas. Speaking publicly for the first time after their historic journey, the astronauts shared profound emotional reflections. Commander Reid Wiseman noted that the crew is "bonded forever," stating, "No one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through. It was the most special thing that will ever happen in my life."
Wiseman grew emotional describing the challenges of being over 200,000 miles from Earth, yet emphasized the crew's camaraderie. "Man, this was not easy being 200,000 plus miles away from home. Like before you launch, it feels like it's the greatest dream on Earth. And when you're out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends," he said. "It's a special thing to be a human, and it's a special thing to be on planet Earth."
Crew Unity and Public Message
Christina Koch highlighted the unbreakable bond formed during the mission, saying she and her crewmates are "inescapably, beautifully, dutifully linked" after flying by the moon. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen added a lighthearted note, teasing, "This is the furthest I've been from Reid in a long time," during the press conference. Hansen emphasized themes of love and joy, explaining that the crew embodied these values throughout their journey.
In a poignant message, Hansen stated, "When you look up here, you're not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see then just look a little deeper. This is you." The astronauts were greeted by cheering crowds aboard the USS John P Murtha after being retrieved from the Orion crew module via helicopter, capping off their late Friday night return to Earth off the coast of California.
Thompson's Personal Health Journey
Louise Thompson's comments come amid her ongoing recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder and health challenges. Recently, she shared an emotional update about returning to Antigua, where two years prior she had to cut short a trip due to a medical emergency that led to her colon removal. Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2018, Thompson was fitted with a stoma bag in April 2024 after falling severely ill in Antigua, experiencing significant blood loss and mobility issues.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Thompson revealed she has returned to Antigua with her son Leo and partner Ryan, describing it as "a beautiful opportunity to re-write those memories in better health." She detailed her struggles with PTSD, noting dissociation during travel but expressing joy in her current recovery. "I feel like I've turned a major corner in my recovery and I'm unimaginably happy about it," she wrote, attributing improvements to factors like sunlight, seafood, and reduced screen time.
Medical Insights and Future Hopes
Thompson also discussed the connection between gut health and mental well-being, noting that 90-95% of serotonin is produced in the gut. She plans to research topics like SSRIs, gut health, and the nervous system, sharing personal experiences with ongoing health issues. Last month, she penned an emotional letter to her stoma bag, which she named "Winnie" after Winnie the Pooh, highlighting her journey with Ulcerative Colitis—a chronic condition involving inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
Despite her health battles, Thompson remains optimistic about travel and family life, stating, "A few years ago I thought I'd never enjoy travel again but here we are like a totally normal family." Her story of resilience contrasts with her skeptical views on space exploration, showcasing a complex public persona that continues to captivate followers.
