NASA Targets 1 April for Historic Artemis II Crewed Lunar Flyby
London, 26 March 2026 – NASA is in the final stages of preparation for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the Moon in over half a century. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft are now at Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, with the four-person crew entering quarantine ahead of a targeted launch on Wednesday, 1 April. This critical test flight will validate systems for deep space exploration with astronauts on board.
Final Prelaunch Preparations Underway
Following a successful Flight Readiness Review, NASA teams are conducting final checks on the integrated rocket and spacecraft. The Artemis II vehicle completed its rollout to the pad on 20 March, marking its second trip to the launch site. The astronaut crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen—are scheduled to fly to Florida on 27 March to complete their pre-launch quarantine at Kennedy Space Centre. The launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. EDT (22:24 GMT) on 1 April, with additional launch opportunities available through the following Monday.
Mission Profile & Objectives
Artemis II is a crewed lunar flyby, serving as the first integrated test of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft with astronauts. The mission will send the crew on a 10-day journey to loop around the Moon and return to Earth. Key objectives include thoroughly testing Orion’s life-support, communication, and navigation systems in deep space with a human crew, paving the way for future lunar landings. The spacecraft will reach a maximum altitude of approximately 8,889 kilometres above the lunar surface during its trajectory.
Key Facts: The Artemis II Mission
A summary of the mission’s core details, drawn from official NASA documentation and reference materials.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Type | Crewed Lunar Flyby (Test Flight) |
| Launch Vehicle | Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1 |
| Spacecraft | Orion Crew Module & European Service Module |
| Crew | Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist – CSA) |
| Primary Goal | Validate deep space systems with crew for future Artemis missions |
| Target Launch Date | 1 April 2026 |
| Launch Window | Opens at 22:24 GMT (6:24 p.m. EDT) |
| Mission Duration | Approximately 10 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Artemis II mission?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis programme. Its primary purpose is to thoroughly demonstrate and validate the integrated performance of the Orion spacecraft’s life-support, communication, and operational systems with a crew in the deep space environment around the Moon.
Who are the astronauts flying on Artemis II?
The four-person crew comprises NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), and Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist).
Will Artemis II land on the Moon?
No. Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission. The Orion spacecraft will carry the crew on a trajectory that loops around the far side of the Moon before returning to Earth. This mission sets the stage for Artemis III, which is planned to land astronauts on the lunar surface.
How can I watch the launch?
NASA will provide comprehensive live coverage of the launch and mission milestones across its website, NASA Television, the NASA app, and its social media channels. Coverage will begin well in advance of the launch window opening.