At Smart Optimal Solutions (SOS), we are dedicated to “Building a Smart Future.” Last week, that future felt closer than ever as our very own Executive Col. Jeff Williams took to the national stage to provide expert commentary on the historic NASA Artemis II mission. Colonel Jeff Williams is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Smart Optimal Solutions America, as well as the CEO of Smart Optimal Solutions Global. A retired NASA astronaut, Williams joined the founding team of Smart Optimal Solutions following his distinguished career at NASA. During his time as an astronaut, he set a record, at the time, for one of the longest cumulative durations in space, totaling 534 days across multiple missions.
As the crew of the Orion spacecraft completed their journey around the Moon, Col. Williams provided a veteran’s perspective across major networks, bridging the gap between cutting-edge space exploration and the resilient, sustainable infrastructure we build here on the ground.
“Pretty Violent”: The Technical Reality of Re-Entry
In a featured interview with WOWO and Fox News, Col. Williams didn’t hold back on the technical and physical demands of the mission’s conclusion. Describing the splashdown process as “pretty violent,” he detailed the grueling reality of re-entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds and the intense G-forces the crew must endure.

“It’s a very dynamic environment,” Williams noted, emphasizing that the transition from the silence of space to the jarring impact of a Pacific Ocean splashdown is one of the most critical phases of the mission.
For the SOS team, this highlights a core pillar of our work: Reliability under extreme conditions. Whether it’s a spacecraft returning from the Moon or a Smart Streetlight system operating through a coastal storm, the integrity of the technology is what ensures safety and success.
Media Highlights & Interviews
Col. Williams was a sought-after voice throughout the week, offering insights into the “shakedown trial” nature of Artemis II. You can catch his full commentary here:
- WOWO / Fox News: “Pretty Violent”: Former Astronaut Warns of Grueling Re-entry for Artemis II Crew
- Fox News Video: Col. Jeff Williams on Artemis II Splashdown & Future Missions
- The Daily Wire – Morning Wire: The Significance of the Lunar Return
The SOS Connection: Excellence in Every Environment
Why does SOS celebrate these milestones? Because the same German-engineered precision and data-driven innovation used to track a lunar capsule are the foundation of our Smart City solutions.
- Sustainability: Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with renewable energy.
- Efficiency: Streamlining complex systems for maximum performance.
- Connectivity: Ensuring real-time data flows, whether from 240,000 miles away or across a city mesh network.
Explore the SOS Edge and see how we’re bringing “space-age” reliability to your local infrastructure.
Interested in how we can help your city or facility reach its next milestone? Ask us about our Smart Infrastructure Assessment to begin your journey toward a more connected, sustainable future.

Written by Patrice Tsague – CEO of SOS America


