Space & Astronomy

Artemis II manned lunar mission set to launch in February 2026

By T.K. Randall
September 25, 2025

Image: Artemis 2 Crew Portrait
Credit: Josh Valcarcel / (PD) NASA It's finally happening - more than 50 years after the last human set foot on the lunar surface, NASA's Artemis program is finally about to send astronauts back to the Moon.

While Artemis II won't actually land on the surface (that will be the next mission after this one), the flight will see a crew of four astronauts spend over a week in space to test out all the technology.

"We together have a front row seat to history," said NASA's acting deputy associate administrator Lakiesha Hawkins.

"The launch window could open as early as the fifth of February, but we want to emphasize that safety is our top priority."The astronauts going on the mission will be NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, as well as Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency.

They will be the first humans to venture beyond near-Earth orbit since 1972.

"They're going at least 5,000 nautical miles (9,200Km) past the Moon, which is much higher than previous missions have gone," said lead Artemis II flight director Jeff Radigan.

If successful, Artemis II will pave the way for Artemis III - the actual manned Moon landing - which should take place sometime before the end of the decade.


Source: BBC News

Tags: Artemis, Moon