File Photo | Photo Credit: NASA Multimedia

NASA has announced the commencement of the Artemis II mission, marking its first crewed journey around the Moon under the Artemis program. Scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission will feature an international crew including NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The launch window opens on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and extends through April 6.

Artemis II aims to test the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems with astronauts aboard for the first time, setting the stage for future missions. This approximately 10-day expedition around the Moon will also provide vital data for the next stages of lunar exploration. NASA will stream various mission-related events, including prelaunch activities and 24/7 mission coverage on its YouTube channel.

In addition to the live streams, the public can engage virtually through NASA’s curated resources and receive updates and opportunities related to the mission. Media interested in real-time updates can access audio-only coverage and are encouraged to register for briefings. For more detailed information and to track the mission’s progress, visit NASA’s official Artemis blog and the Artemis II multimedia page.