Artemis 2 Astronauts Embark on Lunar Flyby Mission

Four-person crew set to circle the Moon in major step toward future lunar landings.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:42am

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Four astronauts have launched on the Artemis 2 mission, a key milestone in NASA's plan to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. The crew will perform a fly-by around the Moon before returning to Earth, paving the way for future Artemis missions to land astronauts on the Moon.

Why it matters

The Artemis 2 mission marks a significant step forward in NASA's ambitious Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. A successful lunar fly-by will demonstrate critical capabilities and build momentum toward the ultimate goal of landing astronauts on the lunar surface.

The details

The Artemis 2 crew consists of four experienced astronauts who will pilot the Orion spacecraft on a trajectory around the Moon. During the 10-day mission, they will perform a variety of scientific experiments and test key systems needed for future Artemis missions. The successful completion of this fly-by will pave the way for Artemis 3, which is targeted to land astronauts on the Moon as early as 2024.

  • The Artemis 2 mission launched on April 3, 2026.
  • The crew is expected to perform the lunar fly-by in the coming days.
  • The Artemis 2 spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth on April 13, 2026.

The players

Artemis 2 Crew

A four-person team of experienced astronauts who will pilot the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis 2 lunar fly-by mission.

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency leading the Artemis program and the Artemis 2 mission.

Orion Spacecraft

The crew capsule that will transport the Artemis 2 astronauts to the Moon and back.

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What they’re saying

“This mission is a critical step forward in our plans to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.”

— Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator

“We're excited to see what new discoveries the Artemis 2 crew will make during their time in lunar orbit.”

— Kathy Lueders, Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate

What’s next

Following the successful completion of the Artemis 2 lunar fly-by, NASA will continue preparations for the Artemis 3 mission, which is targeted to land astronauts on the Moon as early as 2024.

The takeaway

The Artemis 2 mission represents a major milestone in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface, paving the way for future Artemis missions that will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.