The first time NASA launched humans toward the Moon, in December 1968, it was a global event of solace and unity. The historic flight brought a measure of calm to a nation wracked by assassinations, riots, and political discord.

Today, four astronauts are on their way back to the Moon aboard Artemis II, amid similar troubles. But will this mission have the same impact? In 1968, one-quarter of the world’s population watched broadcasts from the Moon. Today, based on preliminary estimates, only about 32 million people saw the launch, a mere blip in today's crowded media landscape.

Artemis II was not a global event. The world has changed dramatically since 1968. Three US television networks were enough to broadcast that historic flight; now there are hundreds and thousands more competing for attention on platforms like YouTube and social media. And increasingly, younger generations are as interested in creating content as they are in consuming it.

While the launch of Artemis II did not reach a global audience, it still matters. The Moon is a symbol of human achievement and exploration, and every mission brings us one step closer to building a sustainable presence there. But the fact remains: today’s world is so vast and fragmented that even historic events can go unnoticed by much of humanity.