The Artemis II story defied the timeline in a deeper sense. It feels as if it was dropped into the news from a bygone era; a benign ghost sent to remind us of how we used to feel about the future. It is a story about technology that empowers humans rather than threatening us with obsoletion; a story about what we have in common rather than what drives us apart; a story of American heroism. It couldn’t be more retro. You could call it a Generation X moment. All four members of the crew are aged between 47 and 50, which means that, like me, they grew up with a sense that that the world is getting better, people are basically good, technology is on our side, and progress is inevitable. It helps that these individuals are so attractive and likeable (like all members of Gen X). They are not grifters using this as a stepping stone to wealth and influence, but true believers; the name of their craft, Integrity, does not seem like a bitter joke.