Launch of Artemis 2 could mark the return of humans to the lunar surroundings after 54 years
A the United States space agency, concluded this Thursday (March 12, 2026) the flight review of Artemis 2 and released the continuation of procedures for launch on April 1. The mission will take 4 astronauts to the surroundings of the Moon for the first time since 1972.
The SLS rocket and the Orion capsule will be transported next Thursday (19 March 2026) to the platform at the Kennedy Space Center. Takeoff was scheduled for February, but was postponed after technical leaks were identified.
If takeoff cannot be carried out on April 1st, the team will have 6 days to carry out the flight. If it is not possible to launch during this period, you will have to wait until the next window, which opens on April 30th.
Crew and route information
The mission will be crewed by Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. The 4 astronauts remain in quarantine at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Victor Glover will be the first black person to undertake a trip of this type. Christina Koch will be the 1st woman. Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian national, will be the first non-North American citizen to participate in a mission to the Moon.
The flight will last approximately 10 days. The Orion capsule will carry astronauts on a free flight path.
The mission will be the first to leave Earth orbit in more than 50 years.
