Historic Lunar Mission Set for Launch

Artemis II is scheduled to launch a four-person crew on a 10-day expedition around the moon, representing the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. This ambitious mission will rigorously test the Orion spacecraft and the European Service Module, gathering vital data for future lunar and deep space endeavors.

Mission Details and Timeline

The crew will lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, with an initial launch opportunity scheduled for April 1, between 6:24 p.m. ET and 8:24 p.m. ET. Backup launch dates are available between April 2 and April 6, dependent on weather and technical readiness.

Key Mission Phases

  • Days 1: Launch from Kennedy Space Center.
  • Days 2-4: Outbound transit towards the moon.
  • Day 5: Lunar flyby – the spacecraft will pass approximately 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the moon.
  • Days 6-10: Return journey and re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

The mission will cover a total distance of 685,000 miles. A crucial aspect of the mission is the re-entry phase, which will test the heat shield’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Crew and Roles

The Artemis II crew comprises four experienced astronauts: Victor Glover, Christina Hammock Koch, and Reid Wiseman (NASA), and Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency).

Crew Assignments

  • Reid Wiseman: Mission Commander
  • Victor Glover: Pilot
  • Christina Hammock Koch & Jeremy Hansen: Mission Specialists

This diverse crew represents international collaboration and a broad range of expertise.

Building on Artemis I & Future Exploration

Artemis II follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission launched in November 2022. The Space Launch System (SLS) is essential for sending the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and cargo to the moon. The mission will gather data on crew health and performance during long-duration spaceflight, informing future missions to the moon and Mars.

How to Watch and Stay Informed

ABC News and NASA will provide extensive coverage of the Artemis II mission. ABC News will offer live coverage, including a live blog, with major milestones broadcast on ABC News Live and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. NASA will stream live views from the launch pad on its YouTube channel, as well as on Facebook, Twitch, X, and NASA+.