The Artemis II Mission Overview

Artemis II is set to make history as the first mission to carry astronauts around the moon in over 50 years. This 10-day journey covers 685,000 miles, serving as a critical step toward future missions that aim to land humans on the lunar surface.

The mission will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. The primary launch window opens on April 1, with opportunities between 6:24 p.m. ET and 8:24 p.m. ET, and backup dates available from April 2 through April 6.

Flight Timeline and Objectives

The mission is structured across a 10-day itinerary:

  • Day 1: Launch from Kennedy Space Center.
  • Days 2-4: Outbound transit toward the moon.
  • Day 5: The lunar flyby, passing within 4,700 miles of the far side of the moon—farther than any humans have traveled in deep space.
  • Days 6-10: Return transit and re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

This mission utilizes the only rocket currently capable of sending the Orion spacecraft, crew, and cargo directly to the moon in a single launch. It builds upon the success of the November 2022 mission, which sent the spacecraft within 60 miles of the lunar surface.

Meet the Artemis II Crew

The four-person crew includes three NASA astronauts and one representative from the Canadian Space Agency:

  • Reid Wiseman (NASA): Mission Commander, overseeing safety and execution.
  • Victor Glover (NASA): Pilot, responsible for operating the spacecraft.
  • Christina Hammock Koch (NASA): Mission Specialist, tasked with scientific experiments and equipment operation.
  • Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency): Mission Specialist, responsible for specialized equipment and spacewalks.

How to Watch the Launch

Comprehensive coverage of the mission will be provided by ABC News, including a live blog and broadcasts of major milestones like the launch and splashdown on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.

NASA will also provide extensive coverage through its own channels. Live views from the launch pad will be streamed on the official NASA YouTube channel, with additional coverage available on NASA+, Facebook, Twitch, and X.