CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Four astronauts embarked on a groundbreaking flight around the moon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity’s first lunar voyage in over half a century. The mission, Artemis II, represents a thrilling first step in NASA’s ambitious plan to establish a sustained presence on the moon.

A New Era of Lunar Exploration

The 32-story Space Launch System rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, drawing tens of thousands of spectators and evoking memories of the Apollo moonshots of the 1960s and 70s. The launch site was the same one used for the original Apollo missions.

The Crew of Artemis II

Artemis II carries a diverse crew of three Americans and one Canadian astronaut: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen. This mission boasts the most diverse lunar crew ever assembled, including the first woman, person of color, and non-U.S. citizen to travel to the moon.

Before boarding the astrovan, Victor Glover shared a heartfelt message to his family: “Love you guys.” The crew shaped their hands into hearts as a final gesture before their journey.

Mission Details and Trajectory

The astronauts will spend the first 25 hours of their 10-day mission orbiting Earth, meticulously testing the Orion capsule’s systems. They will then fire the main engine to propel them towards the moon.

Unlike the Apollo 8 mission, Artemis II will not orbit the moon. Instead, the capsule will zoom past the moon, traveling an additional 4,000 miles beyond, before making a U-turn for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The crew is expected to become the most distant humans ever to travel from Earth.

Testing and Scientific Opportunities

During the flight, the astronauts will practice manual control of the Orion capsule, maneuvering it around the rocket’s detached upper stage. This is a crucial test to ensure the capsule can be piloted safely in case of a failure in the self-flying system.

As they pass the moon, the astronauts will observe and photograph the lunar surface, potentially capturing features never before seen by human eyes. They will also have the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Lunar Future

The success of Artemis II is critical for NASA’s broader plans to establish a permanent lunar base, supported by robotic rovers and drones. Lori Glaze of NASA emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that the teams are “energized” by the accelerated pace of lunar launches and the focus on surface operations.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has prioritized a faster timeline for lunar exploration. Artemis III, originally planned for 2029, is now targeted for 2027, with Artemis IV following in 2028. This revised schedule aims to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole before a potential Chinese crew arrives.

Christina Koch highlighted the long-term vision, stating, “It is our strong hope that this mission is the start of an era where everyone, every person on Earth, can look at the moon and think of it as also a destination.” Victor Glover added, “It’s the story of humanity…that it becomes human history.”

Despite past challenges, including hydrogen leaks during testing, Wednesday’s countdown was leak-free. The Artemis II mission represents a significant step towards a sustainable future in space, building upon the legacy of the Apollo program.