NASA Confirms Artemis II Mission to Orbit the Moon
NASA's Artemis II mission, set for launch between February and April 2026, will mark the first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. The mission will feature astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will perform a lunar flyby without landing.
The mission aims to test various systems with humans on board, including thermal stability and life support, as the crew orbits the Moon in a trajectory that allows for a free return to Earth. Preparations are ongoing, with engineers addressing technical issues to ensure crew safety and mission success.
The launch window includes specific dates in early February, March, and April, with a focus on aligning the spacecraft's trajectory for optimal solar power and safe re-entry. NASA emphasizes that crew safety remains the top priority as they approach this significant milestone in lunar exploration.