After months of planning, AP’s Health & Science team delivered a dynamic six-hour livestream covering NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in decades, combining authoritative reporting with creative, audience-focused storytelling.
On launch day, AP journalists spread out to capture the atmosphere across the country. From Cape Canaveral, Javier Arciga and veteran aerospace reporter Marcia Dunn provided a unique live view of the countdown and launch site. Dunn, covering her 124th astronaut launch and first moon mission, added depth and experience to the broadcast. Cody Jackson reported from a nearby park filled with spectators, while Mingson Lau joined a watch party in the Philadelphia area to capture public excitement.
The livestream, hosted by Kyle Marian Viterbo with Mary Conlon behind the camera, blended live reporting with expert analysis, interviews and interactive elements. Shelby Lum served as the voice of AP launch control, coordinating the flow of the show with Derek Danilko. The production also featured discussions with museum experts on the significance of the mission and its place in the legacy of space exploration.
Additional reporting and video packages highlighted astronaut training and historical context, while audience engagement tools — including live polls — brought viewers into the experience.
Judges praised the innovation, coordination and creativity behind the ambitious production, noting how it delivered a compelling and informative experience for audiences worldwide.
For a captivating and informative livestream on the first astronaut moon mission since the Apollo era, Marcia Dunn, Kyle Marian Viterbo, Javier Arciga, Shelby Lum, Mary Conlon, Cody Jackson, Mingson Lau and Derek Danilko win this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.
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