NASA has begun the final countdown for Artemis II, set to launch in early April 2026, marking humanity’s first crewed Moon mission since Apollo 17.

BulletsIn:

• Artemis II will be first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over five decades, signalling revival of deep-space human exploration
• Mission will use Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for nearly 10-day journey around Moon with splashdown in Pacific Ocean
• Four astronauts including diverse crew will travel without landing, performing lunar flyby and returning safely to Earth
• Launch window available in first six days of April, with backup delays possible due to technical or weather conditions
• Earlier launch postponed due to hydrogen leaks and helium system issues, later resolved through repairs and testing
• Mission aims to validate life-support, navigation and communication systems essential for future lunar landing missions
• Artemis programme represents long-term plan to return humans to Moon and expand exploration towards Mars