NASA Artemis II Crewed Lunar Mission Enters Final Week Countdown
Summary: On March 27, 2026, Space.com reports that NASA's Artemis II crewed lunar orbit mission is just one week away from launch, with final preparations underway at Kennedy Space Center. This will be the first time humans have traveled beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972 — marking a major milestone in NASA's return-to-the-Moon program. The mission is currently scheduled for no earlier than April 1, 2026.
Background
Artemis II is the second step in NASA's Artemis program and the first crewed flight of the initiative. Using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, the mission will carry four astronauts on a free-return trajectory around the Moon before returning to Earth. Landing on the lunar surface will be reserved for the subsequent Artemis III mission.
Crew
The Artemis II crew comprises four astronauts:
| Name | Country | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Reid Wiseman | United States | Commander |
| Victor Glover | United States | Pilot |
| Christina Koch | United States | Mission Specialist |
| Jeremy Hansen | Canada | Mission Specialist |
Timeline
- February 21, 2026: SLS rocket rolled back to VAB due to liquid hydrogen leak and upper-stage helium issues
- March 12, 2026: Flight Readiness Review completed
- March 19, 2026: SLS rocket transferred from VAB to Launch Complex 39B
- April 1, 2026 (NET — No Earlier Than): Launch window opens
The exact launch time will depend on the outcome of final pre-launch reviews.
Scientific Objectives
Key goals of Artemis II include:
- Validating the crewed flight capabilities of SLS and Orion
- Testing life support systems in the deep-space environment
- Conducting limited in-cabin scientific experiments
- Gathering critical data ahead of the Artemis III crewed landing mission
Looking Ahead
Success of Artemis II will lay the foundation for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface for the first time since Apollo. NASA has also outlined a $20 billion lunar base plan, targeting a semi-permanent Moon base by the 2030s with longer-term sights set on Mars.