Artemis II: Humanity’s Return to the Moon

Artemis II is poised to launch as early as April 1, 2026, representing a landmark moment in space exploration. This mission will mark the first time astronauts venture around the Moon since the Apollo program ended over five decades ago.

Under NASA’s leadership, the crewed flight will utilize the Orion spacecraft propelled by the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The four astronauts will journey thousands of kilometers beyond the Moon, following a trajectory that takes them far into cislunar space. During the approximately 10-day mission, they will rigorously test essential systems, including life support, navigation, propulsion, and re-entry capabilities—critical preparations for upcoming lunar landings.

This flight builds directly on the uncrewed Artemis I success and serves as a vital stepping stone in the broader Artemis Program. It advances humanity’s goal of sustainable exploration on the lunar surface, eventual establishment of a lunar presence, and future deep space missions, including to Mars.

Artemis II embodies the next bold step in returning humans to the Moon and expanding our reach into the cosmos, inspiring a new generation of explorers and scientists.