The US-based space agency NASA has launched the Artemis II mission, one of the most critical steps in the goal of returning humanity to the Moon. For the first crewed lunar journey in approximately 54 years, the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1, 2026.
Orion capsule set course in orbit
Following the separation from the SLS rocket, the Orion capsule began its journey using its own systems. According to the statement from the ground control center, the spacecraft’s perigee raising maneuvers were completed successfully. It was reported that the four-member crew is in good health and the systems are functioning as planned.
A historic ten-day route
This test flight, which aims to orbit the Moon and return to Earth, will last a total of 10 days. During the mission, astronauts will test life support systems, navigation capabilities, and communication networks under deep space conditions. The crew will not land on the lunar surface; however, by passing to the far side of the Moon, they will reach the furthest distance from Earth ever traveled by a crewed spacecraft.
Crew marks historic milestones
The Artemis II mission represents significant firsts in the history of space exploration. The team involved in the mission consists of the following names:
- Reid Wiseman (Commander)
- Victor Glover (Pilot)
- Christina Koch (Mission Specialist)
- Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, Canadian Space Agency)
With these names, a woman and a Black astronaut are being sent to lunar orbit for the first time, while a Canada-based astronaut has joined a deep space mission for the first time.
Splashdown planned for the Pacific Ocean
If the journey proceeds without issue, the Orion capsule is targeted to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 11, 2026. The successful completion of this mission will green-light the Artemis III mission, which is planned for the late 2020s and will see humans set foot on the lunar surface.
