NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, secured to the mobile launcher, are seen as they arrive at the Launch Pad 39B, Friday, March 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.NASA/Joel Kowsky — NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, secured to the mobile launcher, are seen as they arrive at the Launch Pad 39B, Friday, March 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA/Joel Kowsky

On April 1, 2026—yes, really, April Fool’s Day—NASA is scheduled to launch astronauts toward the Moon for the first time in 54 years.

The last time humans left low Earth orbit was during Apollo 17 in 1972. Since then, we’ve built space stations, launched telescopes, and sent robots across the solar system—but we haven’t sent people back to deep space.

That’s about to change.

What Is the Artemis Program?

The Artemis program is NASA’s plan to return humans to the Moon—and this time, to stay.

Named after Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo, the program connects past and future. The Apollo missions proved we could reach the Moon. Artemis is designed to build a long-term presence there and use what we learn to eventually send humans to Mars.

Here’s how the program is unfolding:

Artemis I – A successful uncrewed test flight that sent the Orion spacecraft around the Moon and safely back to Earth.
Artemis II – The first crewed mission, sending four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and back.
Artemis III – Originally planned to land astronauts on the Moon, Artemis III has recently been restructured. It will now remain in low Earth orbit to test critical systems like docking, spacesuits, and mission operations needed for future lunar landings.
Artemis IV – Now expected to carry astronauts to the lunar surface and begin building a sustained human presence near the Moon, including support for the planned Gateway space station.

Together, these missions represent a step-by-step approach—testing, refining, and preparing for a safe return of humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972.

What Is the Artemis II Mission?

Artemis II will be the first time astronauts travel beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era.

The mission will use NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) to launch the Orion spacecraft with four astronauts aboard.

Here’s what the mission will look like:

Distance traveled: About 1.3 million miles (2.1 million km)
Mission duration: Roughly 10 days
Trajectory: A wide loop around the Moon (a “free-return” path that naturally brings the crew back to Earth)
Top speed: Over 24,000 mph

This mission isn’t about landing—it’s about testing everything needed to safely send humans deeper into space.

Key goals include:

Testing life support systems for astronauts
Evaluating navigation and communication in deep space
Studying how the human body responds to leaving Earth’s protective magnetic field
Demonstrating spacecraft performance with a crew onboard

Unlike Apollo, Artemis II will carry advanced systems and digital avionics—and it will gather valuable data to prepare for future lunar landings.

Who Is the Artemis II Crew?

Artemis II Day of Launch Demonstration Test. Image Credit: NASA/Frank Michaux

NASA has selected four highly experienced astronauts for this historic mission:

Reid Wiseman – Commander
A former Navy pilot and ISS commander, Wiseman will lead the mission.
Victor Glover – Pilot
A Navy aviator and test pilot, Glover previously flew on SpaceX Crew-1.
Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
Known for her record-setting long-duration spaceflight and all-female spacewalks.
Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist
A Canadian Space Agency astronaut, marking the first non-American to travel to the Moon.

This diverse and experienced crew represents a new chapter in human spaceflight.

When Is the Launch?

The Artemis II launch is currently scheduled for April 1, 2026 at 4:24 PM MDT, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launch times can change, but liftoff is expected within a specific window that ensures the spacecraft can follow the correct path to the Moon.

Where to watch:

If you’re in Florida, you may even be able to see the launch in person from viewing areas along the Space Coast.

Why schedules change:
Space missions are complex, and Artemis II has already been delayed multiple times due to:

Additional safety testing of the Orion heat shield
Upgrades to life support systems
Careful review of all mission components

NASA’s priority is safety, so delays are normal—and expected—for missions of this scale.

Keep Looking Up

Artemis II is more than just a mission—it’s a turning point.

For the first time in over half a century, humans are heading back toward the Moon. This mission will test the systems, the spacecraft, and the people who will carry us into the next era of exploration.

The Moon is no longer the finish line. It’s the next step.