NASA is targeting the Artemis II launch for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6:24 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission will be the first crewed flight of the Artemis program. It will also be the first time astronauts fly aboard NASA’s SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft.
What Is Artemis II
Artemis II is not a Moon landing mission. Instead, NASA plans to send four astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth on a mission lasting about 10 days. So, for readers who want the quick answer, Artemis II is a crewed lunar flyby. It is the step before a future landing mission.
Who Is on the Crew
The Artemis II crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. Together, they will help NASA test Orion with people on board in deep space. As a result, the agency will learn more before later Artemis missions move closer to a return to the lunar surface.
How to Watch Artemis II Live
NASA says live coverage begins at 7:45 a.m. EDT on launch day. Full launch coverage starts at 12:50 p.m. EDT on NASA Plus, YouTube, and other NASA platforms. The official NASA YouTube stream is integrated at the beginning of our article.
Why Artemis II Matters
Artemis II matters because it moves NASA from an uncrewed test to a real crewed mission around the Moon. It follows Artemis I and helps show whether Orion and its systems are ready for astronauts in deep space. In simple terms, this is the mission that helps prove NASA is ready for the next phase of Moon exploration.
Launch Weather and Backup Dates
Right now, NASA says weather for launch is 80 percent favorable. Forecasters are watching cloud cover, ground winds, and solar weather. If the mission does not launch on April 1, NASA says additional launch chances run through April 6.
Final Take
Artemis II is one of the biggest space events of the year because it puts astronauts back on a path around the Moon for the first time in decades. It is not the landing mission. However, it may be the mission that makes later Moon landings possible.
Artemis II FAQ
What is Artemis II
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed Artemis mission. It will send astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth.
Is Artemis II landing on the Moon
No. Artemis II is a crewed lunar flyby mission.
When is the Artemis II launch
NASA is targeting no earlier than 6:24 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Who is on the Artemis II crew
Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
How can I watch Artemis II live
NASA says coverage begins at 7:45 a.m. EDT, and full launch coverage starts at 12:50 p.m. EDT.