Artemis ii launches: humanity returns to lunar orbit after half a century
April 1st marks a pivotal moment in space exploration as NASA's Artemis II mission prepares for launch. This 10-day journey will send the first humans beyond lunar orbit in over 50 years, pushing the boundaries of human exploration further than ever before.
Journey to the moon and beyond
Scheduled to depart from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:24 PM PT (6:24 PM ET, 11:24 PM BST, 10:24 AM AEDT), Artemis II will carry a crew of four – Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor J. Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist). The mission’s primary objective isn't a landing; instead, the spacecraft will orbit the Moon, reaching approximately 250,000 miles from Earth – surpassing Apollo 13's previous record of 248,655 miles. The flight will last roughly 8 1/2 minutes after launch, with the first day dedicated to Earth orbit and systems checks. Arrival at the Moon is slated for April 6th, placing the Orion spacecraft about 6,000 miles above the lunar surface.
The mission’s splashdown is planned for April 10th in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. This test flight is a critical step toward the Artemis IV mission, anticipated in early 2028, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon and establish a sustainable base.
The crew: pioneers of the next lunar era
Commander Reid Wiseman, a veteran of the International Space Station, will lead the mission. Pilot Victor J. Glover, returning to space after the SpaceX Crew-1 mission, adds further experience. Christina Koch, who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, brings invaluable expertise. And Jeremy Hansen, Canada's first astronaut to travel to the Moon, joins the crew after his remarkable work in the NEEMO 19 underwater research mission.
NASA is providing extensive coverage of Artemis II across its YouTube channel, NASA+, X/Twitter, Facebook, and Twitch. The official NASA blog will also offer updates. This isn't just a trip to the Moon; it's a rehearsal for a future where humanity has a sustained presence beyond Earth. The data gathered during this mission will shape the next chapter of space exploration, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
The Artemis program represents a renewed commitment to lunar exploration, driven by scientific discovery and a vision for a future among the stars. The success of Artemis II is not merely a milestone; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring desire to explore the unknown.
The journey begins.