NASA is set to launch Artemis 2 on April 1, 2026, sending astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since Apollo 17 on a 10-day lunar journey.

BulletsIn :

• Artemis 2 will be first crewed deep-space mission since 1972, marking return of humans beyond low Earth orbit after decades of missions limited to space stations
• Mission will carry four astronauts on 10-day journey around Moon, performing lunar flyby without landing before safely returning to Earth
• Crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, reflecting international collaboration in modern space exploration efforts
• Mission uses Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, designed for deep-space travel with advanced safety, navigation and life-support capabilities
• Artemis program aims to return humans to Moon and prepare for future missions including sustained lunar presence and eventual Mars exploration
• Mission faced delays due to hydrogen leaks and technical issues, which were resolved after extensive testing and validation at Kennedy Space Center
• Artemis 2 seen as critical step before future crewed lunar landing missions, validating systems required for long-duration human spaceflight