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NASA Prepares for Historic Artemis II Moon Launch
2-day countdown begins as agency holds news conference on mission details
Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:20pm
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The Artemis II mission will propel humanity's return to the moon, showcasing the technological advancements that have been made since the last crewed lunar flight over 50 years ago.Cape Canaveral TodayNASA is gearing up for the launch of the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a historic journey around the moon. The 32-story Space Launch System rocket is set to blast off on Wednesday evening, marking humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 years. After a day in orbit around Earth, the Orion capsule will propel the crew to the moon and back in a nearly 10-day flight that will end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
Why it matters
The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a sustainable presence on the moon. This flight will test the capabilities of the Orion spacecraft and pave the way for future Artemis missions, including the planned Artemis III landing that will put the first woman and first person of color on the moon.
The details
The Artemis II rocket has undergone a series of repairs and modifications after being grounded in February due to hydrogen fuel leaks. The latest issue, a clogged helium pressurization line, has been resolved, and the rocket is now ready for launch. The four-person crew, which includes two NASA astronauts, a Canadian astronaut, and a European Space Agency astronaut, arrived at the launch site on Friday.
- The 2-day countdown for the Artemis II mission began on Monday.
- The launch is scheduled for Wednesday evening.
The players
NASA
The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the Artemis program and the Artemis II mission.
Artemis II Crew
The four-person crew of the Artemis II mission, including two NASA astronauts, a Canadian astronaut, and a European Space Agency astronaut.
Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket
The 32-story rocket that will launch the Artemis II mission, the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed by NASA.
What’s next
After the successful launch of Artemis II, NASA will continue to prepare for the Artemis III mission, which will land the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface.
The takeaway
The Artemis II mission represents a significant milestone in humanity's return to the moon, paving the way for future Artemis missions and the establishment of a sustained presence on the lunar surface. This launch marks the next chapter in space exploration and the continued advancement of human capabilities beyond Earth's orbit.
