NASA astronauts are counting down to the Artemis II moon launch

image via New Scientist

March 29, 2026, 4:20 PM

• •Artemis II mission aims to launch in April, sending a crew of four astronauts around the moon.
• •The mission will test the Space Launch System and Orion capsule, and observe the far side of the moon.
• •Astronauts are prepared for potential delays and risks, prioritizing readiness.
• •The mission will inform future lunar missions and plans for a permanent moon settlement.

NASA is targeting April 1st for the launch of the Artemis II mission, which will send a crew of four astronauts on a journey around the moon, marking the first time humans will leave Earth orbit in over fifty years. The mission, involving Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, will test the Space Launch System and Orion crew capsule, enable observations of the far side of the moon, and conduct various scientific experiments. Despite delays due to spacecraft issues, the astronauts express confidence and preparedness for potential risks and further postponements, prioritizing readiness over a specific launch date. The mission is designed to test technology for future lunar missions and inform plans for a permanent human settlement on the moon.

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