Artemis II Crew Launches to Moon After 50 Years, Marks Historic Return to Deep Space
Four astronauts set to surpass Apollo-era distance record in landmark mission
The NASA has successfully launched its Artemis II mission, sending four astronauts on a historic journey toward the Moon—more than 50 years after humans last ventured beyond low Earth orbit.
The crew lifted off aboard the Orion spacecraft, powered by the Space Launch System, from the Kennedy Space Center shortly after 6:30 p.m. ET, following a brief delay for final pre-launch preparations.
NASA confirmed that all four astronauts, including mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, are safe and stable as the spacecraft continues on its trajectory.
Over the next 10 days, the crew will conduct scientific observations and gather data essential for future deep space missions. The spacecraft is expected to fly past the Moon in six days, a key milestone in the mission.
Artemis II is set to surpass the distance achieved during the Apollo missions, travelling farther into space than any human has gone before.
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After completing its lunar flyby, Orion will begin its return journey, with splashdown expected on April 10.
The mission marks a major milestone in NASA’s renewed push for lunar exploration and its broader ambition to eventually send humans to Mars.
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