CNN to Provide Special Coverage of Historic Artemis II Launch

Network to offer comprehensive live updates and analysis of NASA's 10-day lunar flyby mission

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft shades of green, blue, and orange featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the structural order and complex forces guiding the Artemis II spacecraft on its journey to the moon.CNN's comprehensive coverage of the Artemis II lunar flyby mission will bring viewers along for the historic journey as NASA takes the next step towards returning humans to the moon.Merritt Island Today

CNN will provide audiences with extensive special coverage of the Artemis II mission launch as it begins its flight around the moon. 'Mission to the Moon: Artemis II Launch' begins at 5:00p ET on Wednesday, April 1 with CNN Anchor Boris Sanchez live from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, joined by space experts and former astronauts. CNN correspondents will report from key locations, including the crowds in Titusville, the launch site at Kennedy Space Center, and the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a historic milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. This uncrewed lunar flyby mission will pave the way for future Artemis missions that will land astronauts on the moon for the first time since the Apollo era.

The details

CNN's special coverage will feature live updates and analysis from a team of journalists reporting from various locations. Anchor Boris Sanchez will lead the coverage from the Kennedy Space Center, while correspondents like David Culver, Pete Muntean, Randi Kaye, Ed Lavendera, and Tom Foreman will provide reports from other key sites. CNN's space and science writers Jackie Wattles and Ashley Strickland will offer in-depth coverage of the mission's progress. Audiences can follow along on CNN.com, where a mission tracker, countdown clock, and daily newsletter will be available. Subscribers to CNN's streaming service will also have access to exclusive livestreams with reporters and experts throughout the 10-day Artemis II mission.

  • The 'Mission to the Moon: Artemis II Launch' special coverage begins at 5:00p ET on Wednesday, April 1.
  • The Artemis II mission is a 10-day lunar flyby mission.

The players

Boris Sanchez

CNN Anchor who will lead the network's live coverage of the Artemis II launch from the Kennedy Space Center.

David Culver

CNN correspondent reporting from the crowds gathered in Titusville, Florida to witness the historic mission.

Pete Muntean

CNN correspondent reporting live from the Kennedy Space Center, the site of the Artemis II lunar launch.

Randi Kaye

CNN correspondent reporting live from the Kennedy Space Center, the site of the Artemis II lunar launch.

Ed Lavendera

CNN correspondent reporting from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tom Foreman

CNN correspondent reporting from Washington, D.C.

Jackie Wattles

CNN Space and Science writer providing in-depth coverage of the Artemis II mission.

Ashley Strickland

CNN Space and Science writer providing in-depth coverage of the Artemis II mission.

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What’s next

The Artemis II mission will launch on Wednesday, April 1 and last for 10 days as the crew makes their journey around the moon.

The takeaway

CNN's extensive coverage of the historic Artemis II mission will give viewers a front-row seat to this landmark moment in space exploration, as NASA takes the next step towards returning humans to the lunar surface.