Four astronauts are about to embark on a journey around the moon, the first mission of its kind since the Apollo era, and one that will pave the way for future lunar exploration. The Artemis II launch follows the uncrewed Artemis I flight, the first launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion...
NASA’s first crewed mission around the moon since the Apollo era is nearing launch. Follow the latest on the astronauts, countdown milestones, launch timing, mission path and the trip back to Earth.Four astronauts are about to embark on a journey around the moon, the first mission of its kind since the Apollo era, and one that will pave the way for future lunar exploration.
Thelaunch follows the uncrewed Artemis I flight, the first launch of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft around the moon in 2022.engineers are powering up flight hardware, checking communication links, and preparing the rocket’s cryogenic systems for the precise fueling sequence required to load hundreds of thousands of gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen," NASA said. The four Artemis II astronauts, and the two backup crew members, standing in front of the Space Launch System rocket on Jan. 17, 2026. For the astronauts, the countdown clock is more than just the time until they blast off into space. They are following ais set to make history as the first Canadian to travel to the moon. Artemis II will also mark his first spaceflight, and he will serve on the mission as a mission specialist.Astronaut Jeremy Hansen reacts after being selected for the Artemis II mission during a news conference held by NASA and CSA at Ellington airport in Houston, Texas, on April 3, 2023. Born in London, Ontario, Hansen joined the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron at age 12. He later graduated from astronaut candidate training in 2011. He is married and has three children.The upcoming Artemis mission will send humans around the moon for the first time since 1972, butInstead of traveling close to the lunar surface, the Artemis II crew will pass the moon at, according to NASA. That higher path will give the astronauts a broader view of the moon, including the north and south poles, two regions that are important for future exploration. Infographic showing a schematic outline of NASA's Artemis II mission voyage to take a crew of four in the Orion spacecraft around the Moon and back to Earth. “At closest approach, the moon will appear to the Artemis II crew to be about the size of a basketball held at arm’s length,”. During that time, the Orion spacecraft will fly around the moon and head back to Earth rather than enter lunar orbit like some Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s. The four astronauts on board will splash down in the Pacific Ocean about 50 miles off the coast of San Diego.80% chance of favorable weather, with clouds and strong winds being the main concerns . If the launch is postponed, forecasters warn the weather may interfere with future launch attempts.Mar. 30, 2026 10:00 AM EEST NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman looks on during the rollout of NASA's next-generation moon rocket, the Space Launch System rocket with the Orion crew capsule. is the Artemis II commander and brings a long resume in both aviation and spaceflight to NASA’s first crewed mission around the moon since the Apollo era. Anative and 27-year Navy veteran, Wiseman was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2009 and flew to the International Space Station in 2014 as part of Expedition 41.Wiseman and his crewmates carried out more than 300 science experiments spanning human physiology, medicine, Earth science and astrophysics. He also logged nearly 13 hours of spacewalking across two excursions outside the station.. His background includes flying the F-14 Tomcat and FA-18F Super Hornet, along with test pilot work on programs including the F-35 Lightning II. He holds degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Johns Hopkins University. Wiseman and his late wife, Carroll, have two children, and he considers parenthood his greatest challenge and most rewarding role.Economic Impact
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