NASA Announces Backup Launch Windows for Historic Artemis II Moon Mission

Multiple two-hour launch opportunities available in April if initial April 1 liftoff is delayed.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:33pm

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise intersecting waveforms in soft, flat colors against a clean background, conceptually representing the intricate scientific principles guiding the Artemis II mission to the moon.As NASA prepares to launch the Artemis II mission, a complex dance of orbital mechanics and scientific forces must align to send the crew on their historic journey to the moon.Cape Canaveral Today

NASA has announced a series of backup launch windows for the Artemis II mission, the second flight under the agency's Artemis program to return humans to the moon. The initial launch opportunity is set for April 1, with a two-hour window opening at 6:24 p.m. ET. If that attempt is scrubbed, NASA has additional two-hour windows available from April 2-6 and on April 30.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's ambitious plan to land the first woman and next man on the lunar surface by 2024. This uncrewed test flight around the moon will pave the way for the Artemis III mission, which will include the first crewed Artemis landing.

The details

Artemis II's launch window is limited to specific dates and times due to the need to align the spacecraft's trajectory with the moon's position. NASA officials noted that the backup launch opportunities may have less favorable weather conditions than the initial April 1 window. The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket underwent repairs last month after a simulation revealed hydrogen fuel leaks in the core stage.

  • The initial launch opportunity for Artemis II is on Wednesday, April 1, with a two-hour window opening at 6:24 p.m. ET.
  • Backup launch windows are available from April 2-6 and on April 30, each with a two-hour launch period.

The players

NASA

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the Artemis program and the historic return to the moon.

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What’s next

NASA engineers will continue to monitor weather conditions and technical readiness in the days leading up to the Artemis II launch. If the initial April 1 attempt is scrubbed, the agency has several backup opportunities throughout the first week of April and on April 30.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission represents a major milestone in NASA's ambitious Artemis program to return humans to the lunar surface. While the initial launch date may be subject to change, the agency's multiple backup windows demonstrate its commitment to safely and successfully executing this historic mission.