science
How astronauts are preparing for the Artemis II lunar flight
Retired astronaut Terry Virts appears on CBS News 24/7 Mornings as NASA begins final preparations for Artemis II, outlining crew training, testing and the mission's role in returning humans to the Moon.
Mar 31st 2026 · United States
Insights
- Artemis II will be NASA's first crewed flight around the Moon since Apollo and will validate systems for future lunar landings.
- Crew training emphasizes spacecraft systems, mission simulations, emergency procedures and close coordination with ground teams.
- Extensive hardware and software testing and full mission rehearsals are underway to confirm safety and performance before launch.
- Retired astronaut Terry Virts joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings to explain technical details and crew readiness to the public.
- Artemis II is a stepping stone to Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
Sources
- Former NASA astronaut on how Artemis II could eventually lead to humans living on Mars www.cbsnews.com
- In a Moment of Division, the Astronauts on the Artemis II Mission Hope to Inspire www.nytimes.com
- How astronauts prepare to make history in space www.cbsnews.com
- Key NASA administrator breaks down goals of Artemis II mission www.cbsnews.com
- How will the Artemis astronauts go to the toilet in space? www.bbc.com
- Dentro del Centro Espacial Kennedy, a unos metros del Artemis II elpais.com
- La NASA encara el lanzamiento de Artemis II entre la emoción y la incertidumbre del tiempo www.abc.es
- How NASA will define success for the Artemis II moon mission www.cbsnews.com
- Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission www.cbsnews.com
- NASA head says Artemis II will pave the way for "astronauts planting the Stars and Stripes on Mars" www.cbsnews.com
- Así será la vida en la misión Artemis II: ejercicio, inodoros espaciales y "órganos en un chip" www.libertaddigital.com