NASA says Artemis II could launch as soon as 1 April
Mar 12th 2026
NASA said Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years, could lift off as early as 1 April with multiple launch opportunities in a six-day window.
- First launch window is 1 April at 22:24 GMT, with about four opportunities across a six-day period.
- The crew will be three Americans, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen.
- Artemis II is a test flight that will circle Earth, fly by the moon without landing, then return and splash down.
- Closest approach will depend on the launch date and is expected to be roughly 4,000 to 6,000 miles above the lunar surface.
- NASA delayed a February launch date after technical issues and added this test mission as part of a programme revamp.
Articles
- Artemis II: Nasa targets early April for Moon mission www.bbc.com
- Nasa ‘on track’ for Artemis II moon mission launch as soon as 1 April www.theguardian.com