Artemis II Latest Articles
Discover mission updates, astronaut highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage of NASA’s next crewed journey around the Moon.
International Partners Supporting the Artemis Program
How Europe, Canada, Japan, and over 30 nations are collaborating to make humanity's return to the Moon a truly global endeavor.
Explore the international collaboration powering NASA's Artemis program with contributions from ESA providing Orion's European Service Module and Gateway's I-Hab module, Canada's Canadarm3 robotic system securing two astronaut Moon flights including Jeremy Hansen on Artemis II, Japan's JAXA delivering life support systems and batteries for Gateway, and the Artemis Accords signed by over 30 countries establishing principles for peaceful lunar exploration. Learn how this unprecedented cooperation exceeds International Space Station partnerships and enables sustainable exploration.
Emergency Scenarios and Abort Options on Artemis II
How NASA's Launch Abort System and emergency procedures ensure crew safety - from millisecond escapes during ascent to rescue operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore NASA's comprehensive emergency response systems for Artemis II including the 44-foot Launch Abort System with three solid rocket motors capable of pulling the crew module to safety in milliseconds. Learn about pad abort scenarios, ascent abort procedures during maximum aerodynamic pressure, the successful Ascent Abort-2 test in 2019, NASA and Department of Defense rescue rehearsals conducted June 2025 using Navy helicopters and Air Force pararescuers, emergency egress from the 274-foot crew access level, and how slide-wire baskets enable rapid evacuation from Launch Complex 39B.
Countdown Demonstration Test (CDT): What It Proves for Artemis II
Inside NASA's critical launch day rehearsal that validates procedures, identifies issues, and ensures the crew and ground teams are ready for humanity's return to the Moon.
Explore the Artemis II Countdown Demonstration Test (CDT) conducted December 20, 2025, where astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen practiced the complete launch day timeline. Learn how the 5.5-hour rehearsal inside Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building validated suit-up procedures, crew access arm operations, communications systems, emergency egress protocols, and launch control procedures. Discover why this Apollo-era tradition remains essential for mission success, what issues teams encountered and resolved, and how the test proves readiness for the February 2026 launch window.
Scientific Goals of Artemis II: Pioneering Deep Space Research
Discover how Artemis II will revolutionize our understanding of deep space - from groundbreaking human health studies to lunar observations and cutting-edge technology demonstrations.
Explore the comprehensive scientific objectives of NASA's Artemis II mission including seven major human health research areas studying sleep, stress, cognition and teamwork in deep space. Learn about the revolutionary AVATAR organ-on-a-chip experiment using astronaut cells to measure radiation effects, the ARCHeR study tracking crew performance, Standard Measures collecting biological samples, radiation environment characterization beyond Earth's magnetosphere, lunar surface observations from human perspective, and CubeSat deployments from four international space agencies testing technologies for future missions.
Artemis II to Artemis III Roadmap: Building Humanity's Lunar Future
Follow the progression from Artemis II's test flight to Artemis III's historic landing and beyond - NASA's plan for establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Explore NASA's Artemis mission roadmap from the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby in 2026 to the historic Artemis III south pole landing in 2027, featuring SpaceX Starship Human Landing System, nine candidate landing regions, and the first woman and person of color on the Moon. Learn about future missions including Artemis IV and V with Lunar Gateway construction, Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander, Lunar Terrain Vehicle deployment, and the path toward establishing Artemis Base Camp for sustained lunar exploration leading to Mars missions.
SLS Rocket Explained: NASA's Most Powerful Rocket Ever Built
Discover the engineering marvel behind the Space Launch System - from its massive core stage to its record-breaking thrust - and how it will power humanity's return to the Moon.
Explore NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in detail - the most powerful rocket ever built generating 8.8 million pounds of thrust. Learn about the core stage with four RS-25 engines burning liquid hydrogen and oxygen, the twin five-segment solid rocket boosters, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, and how SLS will evolve from Block 1 to Block 1B and Block 2 configurations. Understand the rocket's 322-foot height, 700,000-gallon propellant capacity, and why it's the only rocket capable of sending Orion and four astronauts directly to the Moon on a single launch.
How to Watch the Artemis II Launch: Your Complete Viewing Guide
Everything you need to know about watching history unfold — from the best in-person viewing locations at Kennedy Space Center to free online streaming options worldwide.
Discover how to watch the historic Artemis II launch in February 2026. Find the best viewing locations at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex including the Apollo/Saturn V Center and North Atlantis Lawn, explore free public viewing spots like Space View Park in Titusville and Jetty Park in Port Canaveral, learn how to stream the launch live on NASA+ and NASA TV, register for NASA Social media events, and get tips for planning your launch day experience. Complete guide to witnessing humanity's return to the Moon.
Artemis II Countdown: What Happens Before Launch?
Discover the intricate preparations, rehearsals, and critical milestones leading up to the historic Artemis II launch — from wet dress rehearsals to the final seconds of countdown.
Explore the comprehensive pre-launch procedures for NASA's Artemis II mission, including the Countdown Demonstration Test where astronauts don their spacesuits and board Orion, the critical wet dress rehearsal involving 700,000 gallons of propellant, the two-day launch countdown sequence with built-in holds, and the final terminal count before liftoff. Learn about rollout to Launch Complex 39B, verification tests, emergency evacuation procedures, and how launch teams prepare for every scenario to ensure crew safety on humanity's return to the Moon.
Apollo vs Artemis: How NASA's Moon Programs Compare
Discover the key differences between NASA's historic Apollo missions and the modern Artemis program - from technology and goals to diversity and sustainability.
Compare NASA's Apollo and Artemis programs in this comprehensive guide. Explore how the Space Launch System differs from Saturn V, why Orion spacecraft is more advanced than Apollo capsules, and how mission objectives have evolved from Cold War competition to sustainable exploration. Learn about technological advancements including modern computers, improved life support systems, and international collaboration. Understand why Artemis aims for long-term lunar presence while Apollo focused on short-term landings, and discover how both programs shaped human space exploration.
Meet the Artemis II Crew: Four Astronauts Making History
Get to know the groundbreaking astronauts who will venture around the Moon in 2026 — their backgrounds, accomplishments, and what makes this crew truly historic.
Meet the historic Artemis II crew: NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Learn about their remarkable backgrounds, from Navy test pilots to record-breaking space station missions. Discover why this crew represents multiple historic firsts, including the first woman, first person of color, and first non-American to travel to the Moon. Explore their extensive training, accomplishments, and what makes them uniquely qualified for humanity's return to lunar exploration.
Artemis II Mission Timeline: A Day-by-Day Journey to the Moon
Follow the complete 10-day journey of NASA's historic Artemis II mission — from launch to lunar flyby and splashdown — as four astronauts venture farther from Earth than any human in over 50 years.
Explore the complete Artemis II mission timeline from launch to splashdown. This comprehensive guide breaks down the 10-day journey phase by phase, including Earth orbit testing, translunar injection, lunar flyby at 9,000 kilometers beyond the Moon, and the dramatic skip reentry return to Earth. Learn about current mission preparations, the countdown demonstration test, wet dress rehearsal schedule, and key milestones leading to the historic February 2026 launch window.
What Is Artemis II? NASA's Historic Return to the Moon
NASA's first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years - the crew, the technology, and why it matters for the future of space exploration.
Explore NASA's historic Artemis II mission - the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years. This groundbreaking 10-day mission will test the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System with four astronauts aboard, validate life support and navigation systems in deep space, and pave the way for future lunar landings and eventual missions to Mars. Learn about the mission objectives, the diverse crew, advanced technologies, and how Artemis II is shaping the next era of human space exploration.