A NATIVE of Balamban, Cebu, has been recognized for her crucial contributions to Nasa’s Artemis II mission.
Arianne “Nikki” Jubay Lazaro, a senior materials engineer and member of the Orion Fracture Control Team, helped ensure the safety of critical spacecraft systems, including the Environmental Control and Life Support System and key structural components.
In a statement, Balamban Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug said Lazaro’s achievement brings pride to the municipality, as well as to her family. Lazaro’s mother, Ethel Jubay Lazaro, is a native of Barangay Aliwanay in Balamban, while her father is Alberto Lazaro.
“We are immensely proud of you. May you continue to shine and achieve greater milestones in your journey,” said Cabahug.
“You serve as an inspiration to the youth of Balamban and beyond, proving that with passion, perseverance and hard work, even the stars are within reach,” Cabahug added.
Artemis II is widely regarded as a major milestone in human space exploration, forming part of ongoing efforts to return humans to the moon and eventually go on to Mars.
The crew is composed of four astronauts who completed a historic 10-day mission around the Moon from April 1 to 10, 2026.
On board Artemis II, Nasa astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, made history as the first humans to travel around the moon in over 50 years since the Apollo era.
The Municipality of Balamban also gave special recognition to Lazaro’s grandparents, Rogelio “Rolly” Jubay and Josephine “Bebe” Jubay. / DPC