On April 1, 2026, humanity will return to the Moon after more than half a century. NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis 2 mission — the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft around the Moon.

When and Where Artemis 2 Will Launch

Launch date and time: No earlier than April 1, 2026, at 18:24 Moscow time (22:24 UTC / 6:24 p.m. EDT).

The launch will take place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using the super-heavy Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

Crew:

• Reid Wiseman — Commander (NASA)
• Victor Glover — Pilot (NASA)
• Christina Koch — Mission Specialist (NASA)
• Jeremy Hansen — Mission Specialist (Canadian Space Agency)

How to Watch the Launch Online

The broadcast will be available on several platforms:

• On Space.com (live NASA stream)
• On NASA’s official YouTube channel and website (NASA.gov)
• On Roscosmos channels and other space media (with Russian commentary)

Full coverage begins: 12:50 p.m. EDT (19:50 Moscow time), a few hours before liftoff.

What Will Happen During the Mission

• About one day after launch, Orion will perform a trans-lunar injection maneuver, setting course for the Moon.
• The astronauts will spend about 10 days in space.
• The mission’s highlight will be a flyby of the far side of the Moon at a minimum distance of about 8,000 km.
• Orion will be equipped with external cameras providing near-continuous live views (quality may decrease at greater distances).
• The crew will conduct scientific experiments, studying the effects of increased radiation and microgravity on the human body.
• A communication session between the Artemis 2 crew and the International Space Station is possible.

How to Follow the Mission After Launch

NASA and the Canadian Space Agency plan to hold regular public communication sessions with the crew (approximately once per day). Exact times for press briefings will be announced during the mission.

After the 10-day flight, Orion is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. This event is also planned to be broadcast live.

Important Note

Artemis 2 is a test mission, so the schedule may change more frequently than for routine ISS flights. For convenience, follow updates via live blogs on Space.com or similar platforms.

In Brief

The Artemis 2 launch is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at 18:24 Moscow time. It will be the first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972. You can watch it on Space.com, NASA’s YouTube channel, and other platforms. Full coverage starts at 19:50 Moscow time. The crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — will spend 10 days in space, fly around the Moon, and return to Earth. The mission marks a major step toward future human landings under the Artemis program.