What Is Known About NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission?
NASA's Artemis II mission marks a key step in returning humans to the Moon. This crewed flight will test systems for future lunar landings and is currently in its final preparation stages on the launch pad.
Mission Overview & Latest Status
Artemis II represents the first crewed mission in NASA's Artemis program since Apollo 17 in 1972. As of January 20, 2026, the mission is targeted for launch no earlier than February 6, 2026, with a window extending through February 11. space
On January 17, 2026, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft successfully reached Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center after a 10-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. NASA is now preparing for a critical "wet dress rehearsal" (fueling test) scheduled for approximately February 2, 2026, which will determine if the February 6 launch date holds.
The 10-day mission will send four astronauts on a journey around the Moon without landing. The primary goal is to validate the spacecraft, rocket, and ground systems with humans aboard. Astronauts will perform checkouts of life support, propulsion, and communication during the trip. The mission trajectory includes a lunar flyby, reaching about 6,400 miles (10,300 km) beyond the far side of the Moon.
The Crew
The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Wiseman serves as commander, Glover as pilot, with Koch and Hansen as mission specialists. Announced in 2023, this team brings diverse experience: Wiseman and Glover from previous spaceflights, Koch from a record 328-day stay on the International Space Station, and Hansen with extensive simulation expertise.
Training has been intensive, with recent sessions focusing on emergency return scenarios from high Earth orbit. The crew has practiced extensively in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab for recovery operations and used high-fidelity simulators for lunar navigation.
Spacecraft and Rocket Details
Orion, built by Lockheed Martin, features a European Service Module from Airbus for power and propulsion. The SLS Block 1 rocket, NASA's most powerful yet, stands 322 feet tall with 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff.
Heat Shield Resolution
A major technical challenge regarding Orion's heat shield has been resolved. After the uncrewed Artemis I mission showed unexpected charring and material loss, NASA conducted an extensive investigation. Rather than replacing the shield—which would have caused years of delay—engineers have modified the reentry trajectory to minimize the specific conditions that caused the damage. New NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducted a final review in January 2026 and expressed full confidence in this safe reentry plan.
Objectives and Science
Beyond system checks, Artemis II carries experiments like the CubeSat deployment of BioSentinel, which studies radiation effects on yeast in space. Crew members will capture photos and videos for public outreach and test laser communications with Earth.
The mission supports NASA's goal of sustainable lunar presence, paving the way for Artemis III, which is planned to land humans near the Moon's south pole.
Significance for Future Exploration
Artemis II closes out the test phase of the program. Success will clear paths for longer stays on the Moon and eventual Mars missions. It demonstrates international partnerships, with significant contributions from Canada, Europe, and Japan.
This mission revives human deep-space flight, inspiring global interest in space. With the rocket now standing on the pad, NASA is positioned to launch the next era of exploration within weeks.
