Launch preparations are underway for the Artemis II mission, NASA’s planned lunar fly-around by four astronauts. This mission will mark the first crewed journey to the moon in 53 years.

Fueling the Rocket for Lunar Flight

Hydrogen fuel began flowing into the 32-story Space Launch System rocket on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Launch Pad 39-B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Launch teams are loading over 700,000 gallons of fuel into the rocket.

This process follows a previous countdown test that was halted due to dangerous hydrogen leaks, causing a delay in the launch schedule. The team needs to complete fueling before the Artemis II crew can board the spacecraft.

Mission Details: A Quick Lunar Flyby

The Space Launch System rocket is scheduled to launch on Wednesday evening, with a two-hour launch window beginning at 6:24 p.m. EDT. The Artemis II crew – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen – will embark on a high-speed journey.

The mission will involve traveling thousands of miles beyond the moon, performing a U-turn, and returning to Earth. This initial flight will last less than 10 days and will not include a landing or moonwalk. NASA plans further missions for future lunar landings.

A Diverse Crew for a New Era

Unlike the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, the Artemis II crew represents a more diverse group of astronauts. The team includes a woman, a person of color, and a Canadian citizen, reflecting a broader representation in space exploration.

Symbolism and Sentiment on Board

A plush toy named Rise, inspired by the iconic “Earthrise” photo from Apollo 8, will accompany the astronauts. Rise carries the names of over 5.6 million people who signed up to “tag along” on the mission via a memory card.

Commander Reid Wiseman emphasized the inclusive nature of the mission, stating, “We are going for all and by all. It’s time to fly.”

Looking Ahead: A Permanent Lunar Presence

Artemis II is the first step in NASA’s ambitious plan to establish a permanent moon base. The space program is currently aiming for a moon landing near the lunar south pole in 2028.