NASA Prepares for First Moon Launch in 53 Years

Artemis II mission set to blast off with diverse crew of 4 astronauts

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:35am

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An abstract painting featuring bold geometric shapes and sweeping arcs of energy in a palette of blues, oranges, and grays, conceptually representing the complex forces and precise calculations behind a rocket launch to the moon.NASA's historic Artemis II mission will harness the immense power of the Space Launch System to propel the first diverse crew of astronauts to the moon in over half a century.Cape Canaveral Today

NASA has begun the countdown for the Artemis II mission, which will mark humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 years. The 32-story Space Launch System rocket is scheduled to lift off on Wednesday evening with a crew of four astronauts, including the first woman and person of color to travel to the moon. After a day in Earth orbit, the Orion capsule will propel the astronauts on a quick trip around the moon and back, ending with a Pacific Ocean splashdown.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission represents a major milestone in NASA's ambitious Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the moon. This flight will pave the way for future Artemis missions that could eventually lead to the first woman and person of color walking on the lunar surface.

The details

The Space Launch System rocket has faced some technical challenges, including hydrogen fuel leaks and a clogged helium pressurization line, which delayed the original February launch. But NASA says the rocket is now in excellent condition and ready for liftoff. The four-person crew includes pilot Victor Glover, who is Black, and the mission will mark several historic firsts for space exploration.

  • The countdown for the Artemis II mission began on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The rocket is scheduled to launch on Wednesday evening, April 2, 2026.
  • The nearly 10-day flight will end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

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.

Victor Glover

A Black American astronaut who will serve as the pilot on the Artemis II mission, making him one of the first people of color to travel to the moon.

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What they’re saying

“Our team has worked extremely hard to get us to this moment. Certainly all indications are right now we are in excellent, excellent shape.”

— Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA Launch Director

“Girl power and that's awesome, and that young brown boys and girls can look at me and go 'Hey, he looks like me and he's doing what???'”

— Victor Glover, Artemis II Pilot

What’s next

NASA has the first six days of April to launch Artemis II before standing down until the end of the month.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission represents a major milestone in NASA's efforts to return humans to the moon, with a diverse crew that will inspire the next generation of space explorers. This flight paves the way for future Artemis missions that could lead to the first woman and person of color walking on the lunar surface.