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Moonbound: Astronauts blast off April 1!
1 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II mission to orbit the moon launches April 1.
- Four astronauts will journey into deep space for 10 days.
- Historic flight marks first woman and Black astronaut on moon.
NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled for launch on April 1, 2026, marking the return of humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years. The mission will test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule with a four-person crew.
Christina Koch and Victor Glover are set to make history as the first woman and first Black astronaut, respectively, to travel to the moon. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will also join them, becoming the first non-American on a lunar mission. The approximately 10-day journey will loop around Earth before slingshotting around the moon.
This deep space excursion aims to pave the way for future crewed missions to the lunar surface and the establishment of a moon base. The mission's planned distance of 248,700 miles could establish a new record for human travel farthest from Earth.
Live launch coverage will begin hours before the window opens at 6:24 p.m. ET. NASA's streaming services and YouTube channel will broadcast the event, offering real-time updates and commentary.
