Four Astronauts Begin Historic 10-Day Mission From Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida — April 2, 2026 — NASA has made history by launching Artemis II, sending four astronauts on a trip around the Moon. This is the first time humans have traveled beyond Earth’s orbit in more than 50 years, since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft lifted off at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will last about 10 days, during which the astronauts will orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth.
A Big Step for Space Exploration
Artemis II is a major milestone for NASA. While the crew will not land on the Moon, the mission will test spacecraft systems, life-support equipment, and navigation for future deep-space missions. NASA sees this flight as a crucial step toward returning humans to the Moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the launch “marks a new era in human space exploration and shows what we can achieve when we reach for the stars.”
Meet the Crew
The Artemis II astronauts are:
- Reid Wiseman – Mission Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen (Canada) – Mission Specialist
This crew is historic: Christina Koch is the first woman to orbit the Moon, Victor Glover is the first African American astronaut to travel this far from Earth, and Jeremy Hansen is the first non-American to leave low Earth orbit.
Mission Plan
After liftoff, Orion entered Earth orbit before performing a trans-lunar injection burn, sending the spacecraft on its path around the Moon. The crew will orbit the Moon at a distance of about 4,000 miles above the surface, testing life-support systems, communication equipment, and other spacecraft functions.
Artemis II could also break distance records, traveling farther from Earth than any human has in decades, surpassing even Apollo 13.
Global Excitement
Thousands of spectators watched the launch in Florida, while millions more followed online. People around the world are celebrating this moment as a new chapter in space exploration. NASA is streaming live coverage so everyone can track the crew’s journey.
Looking Ahead
The success of Artemis II will pave the way for Artemis III, which will attempt the first crewed Moon landing of the Artemis program, including landing near the Moon’s south pole. NASA plans to eventually build a lasting human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars.
A New Era Begins
Artemis II shows what humans can achieve with science, teamwork, and ambition. As the crew orbits the Moon and returns safely, the mission marks a fresh start for deep-space exploration. With this step, humans are closer than ever to returning to the Moon and exploring even farther into the solar system.