NASA ambassador hosting Artemis II launch watch party in Oak Park

Mark Benson invites public to view historic moon mission from Chicago suburb

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:13pm

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A watch party is being held in Chicago's western suburbs as NASA prepares to send four astronauts on the Artemis II mission, a 10-day journey around the moon and back. Author and NASA Ambassador Mark Benson is hosting the event at the Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center in Oak Park, hoping to inspire younger generations about the future of space exploration.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission marks the first time humans will travel to the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. This mission is a critical step towards establishing a long-term human presence on the lunar surface and using it as a launching point for future deep space exploration.

The details

The Artemis II launch is scheduled for Wednesday evening, with a launch window opening at 5:24 pm Chicago time. Benson, who grew up during the space shuttle era, is excited for this new chapter in space travel, saying "Now it's about going there and staying there, and using it as – maybe even literally – a launching pad for future missions farther into the solar system." Kris McCall, director of the Cernan Earth & Space Center at Triton College, noted that while the Artemis II crew won't land on the moon, their journey is critical to ensure safe future missions.

  • The Artemis II launch window opens at 5:24 pm Chicago time on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The Artemis II mission will last 10 days, with the astronauts traveling around the moon and back.

The players

Mark Benson

An author and NASA Ambassador hosting the Artemis II launch watch party in Oak Park. Benson grew up during the space shuttle era and is excited for this new chapter in space exploration.

Kris McCall

The director of the Cernan Earth & Space Center at Triton College, named after the last person to set foot on the moon. McCall noted the Artemis II mission is critical for testing safety systems and life support for future lunar missions.

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What they’re saying

“Now it's about going there and staying there, and using it as – maybe even literally – a launching pad for future missions farther into the solar system.”

— Mark Benson, NASA Ambassador

“This particular mission, the crew will be testing safety systems, life support, a number of other things. And then, after this, it'll become more complex and more things to do.”

— Kris McCall, Director, Cernan Earth & Space Center at Triton College

What’s next

After the successful Artemis II mission, NASA plans to land astronauts on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis III mission, currently targeted for 2027.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission represents a major milestone in the new era of lunar exploration, inspiring a new generation to dream of traveling to the moon and beyond. By using the moon as a stepping stone, NASA aims to establish a sustainable human presence that will enable further deep space missions, including an eventual crewed journey to Mars.