For the first time in more than half a century, humanity is preparing to return to the Moon. NASA has officially confirmed that its Artemis II mission the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972 – is scheduled to launch in February 2026. This historic mission will carry a crew of four astronauts on a journey around the Moon, paving the way for a new era of lunar exploration and deeper space missions.
A Giant Leap Forward After 50 Years
It has been over 50 years since humans last left low Earth orbit and traveled to the Moon. The Apollo program ended in 1972, but the dream of returning never faded. Now, thanks to advances in rocket technology, spacecraft design, and decades of planning, NASA is finally ready to send astronauts back.
The Artemis program, named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, is designed to go beyond what was achieved in the 1960s and 70s. Instead of just landing briefly, Artemis will lay the groundwork for a sustained human presence on and around the Moon and eventually prepare for crewed missions to Mars.
Meet the Artemis II Crew
The crew for Artemis II has already been announced, and they are preparing for one of the most ambitious space missions in decades:
Reid Wiseman – Mission Commander, a veteran astronaut leading the mission.
Christina Koch – Mission Specialist, who will become the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit.
Victor Glover – Pilot, who will be the first Black astronaut to embark on a lunar mission.
Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist from the Canadian Space Agency, representing international collaboration.
Together, this diverse crew symbolizes a new era of space exploration — one that is more inclusive, cooperative, and future-focused.
What Artemis II Will Do
Unlike Apollo missions that landed astronauts on the Moon, Artemis II is designed as an orbital mission. The spacecraft, known as Orion, will launch atop the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Once in space, Orion will carry the crew beyond Earth’s orbit and conduct a lunar flyby, reaching thousands of kilometers beyond the Moon’s surface. The astronauts will spend about 10 days in space, during which they will:
Orbit the Moon and observe areas never before seen by human eyes.
Collect valuable data on deep-space travel and spacecraft systems.
Test life-support, navigation, and communication technologies crucial for future missions.
Mission Commander Reid Wiseman said, “We’re going to see things no human has ever seen before.” The spacecraft will pass over uncharted regions of the Moon, offering new insights into its surface and geology.
Why This Mission Matters
Artemis II is more than just a return to the Moon — it’s the foundation for humanity’s future in space. By testing key systems and conducting a crewed lunar flyby, NASA is preparing for Artemis III, the mission that will land astronauts on the Moon’s surface, including the first woman and the first person of color.
Moreover, Artemis is about more than exploration. It’s about building a sustainable lunar base, using the Moon as a stepping stone for missions to Mars, and inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.
As Christina Koch explained, “Believe it or not, human eyes are one of the best scientific instruments we have.” The mission will rely on direct human observation and decision-making to study the Moon in ways that robots and satellites cannot.
The Dawn of a New Space Age
NASA’s return to the Moon represents a turning point in space exploration. With international partnerships, commercial collaboration, and advanced technology, Artemis is setting the stage for a future where humans live and work beyond Earth.
If all goes according to plan, Artemis II will launch in February 2026, carrying humanity’s hopes and ambitions farther than they’ve gone in half a century. The countdown to a new lunar era has begun and this time, we’re going to stay.
Source: NASA Press Conference & Artemis Program Updates