NASA Begins Countdown for Historic Moon Launch

First crewed mission to the lunar surface in over 50 years set to lift off from Florida.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:39pm

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the structural power and energy of the Artemis I rocket launch to the moon.NASA's Artemis I mission will launch the most powerful rocket ever built, paving the way for a new era of human lunar exploration.Cape Canaveral Today

NASA has commenced the countdown for the launch of the Artemis I mission, which will mark the first crewed flight to the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. The uncrewed test flight is scheduled to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on March 31, 2026, paving the way for future Artemis missions that will return astronauts to the lunar surface.

Why it matters

This mission represents a major milestone in the renewed push for human exploration of the moon, led by NASA's Artemis program. After decades of focus on low-Earth orbit, the successful launch of Artemis I will demonstrate the capabilities of the new Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, setting the stage for crewed Artemis missions that could establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface.

The details

The Artemis I mission will send an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on a 25-day journey around the moon, testing the vehicle's systems before future flights with astronauts on board. The 322-foot-tall Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful launch vehicle ever built by NASA, will propel Orion into space. If the launch is successful, Orion will travel thousands of miles beyond the moon before returning to Earth and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

  • The Artemis I mission is scheduled to launch on March 31, 2026.
  • The uncrewed Orion spacecraft will orbit the moon for approximately 25 days before returning to Earth.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Artemis Program

NASA's program to return humans to the moon, with the goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.

Space Launch System

The most powerful rocket ever built by NASA, designed to launch the Orion spacecraft and other payloads to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Orion Spacecraft

The crew capsule that will carry astronauts to the moon and back as part of the Artemis program.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic moment for NASA and the Artemis program. We're excited to take the next step in humanity's return to the moon.”

— Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator

“The Artemis missions will pave the way for future exploration, including potential human missions to Mars.”

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

What’s next

If the Artemis I mission is successful, NASA plans to launch the Artemis II mission, which will send astronauts on a lunar flyby, in 2027. The Artemis III mission, which will land astronauts on the moon, is currently targeted for 2028.

The takeaway

The upcoming Artemis I launch marks a significant milestone in NASA's renewed efforts to explore the moon, setting the stage for a new era of human lunar exploration that could lead to further advancements in space technology and scientific discovery.