NASA Prepares Artemis II, First Crewed Moon Mission in Over 50 Years,

Historic launch expected February 2026, assuming nothing symbolic happens between now and then.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL — NASA confirmed that Artemis II, the agency’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era, remains on track for a no-earlier-than February 2026 launch, pending final reviews.

The mission will carry four astronauts aboard the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, marking a major milestone in NASA’s broader Artemis program aimed at long-term lunar exploration.

Officials emphasized that Artemis II will test critical systems required for deep space travel, building on the uncrewed Artemis I mission launched in 2022. The crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.

NASA has not yet announced public viewing opportunities but encouraged interested parties to “check back soon.”

Agency representatives described the mission as historic, carefully planned, and the result of years of preparation, collaboration, and adjusted timelines.

“We’re ready,” one official said, clarifying that readiness remains subject to standard aerospace caveats.