The Artemis 2 mission is taking astronauts across the Moon and again.
Artemis II – Nasa’s mission to the moon
The 4 astronauts participating within the historic Artemis 2 moon mission are strapped into the Orion capsule, forward of the deliberate 11.24pm BST departure. After waving goodbye to their households on the Kennedy Area Middle and strolling contained in the rocket, the crew of 4 astronauts went by means of a collection of checks on voice communications with mission management.
The historic mission, the primary to carry again people close to the moon in 54 years, is scheduled to go forward tonight, April 1. Lower than two hours earlier than launch, nevertheless, a problem on the flight termination system (FTS) arose, which prompted fears the moon mission needed to be delayed as soon as once more. NASA introduced the FTS concern has been mounted, with all system nonetheless go. Shortly earlier than 10.45pm BST, NASA then introduced it was investigating a battery temperature concern, sparking contemporary considerations.
The Artemis missions are a part of NASA’s long-term plans to construct a lunar base the place astronauts will have the ability to stay and work – in addition to put together for missions to Mars. The 4 astronauts onboard is not going to land on the floor of the satellite tv for pc, however they’ll journey across the Moon and again to Earth through the 10-day mission as NASA assessments the Orion spacecraft, life assist programs and deep house operations forward of future Moon landings. To observe the mission stay because it progresses, head right here.
1 month in the past10:09 Lauran O’Toole
Digital tracker reveals spacecraft is greater than 40,000 miles away
The Artemis 2 crew are heading additional and additional into house, with the Orion spacecraft transferring at a velocity of greater than 2.700mph.
A digital tracker shared by NASA reveals the capsule has now travelled greater than 40,000 miles away from Earth.
The Artemis 2 crew are greater than 40,000 miles away from Earth (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past08:58 Lauran O’Toole
Crew now sleeping throughout Earth orbit
Following the lengthy awaited launch, the crew of Artemis 2 are presently taking a well-deserved four-hour relaxation, in keeping with NASA’s web site.
They’re scheduled to wake at 7am US Jap Time (12pm BST) to hold out a manoeuvre adjusting the Orion spacecraft’s orbit round Earth.
After finishing this operation, the astronauts are anticipated to return to sleep at roughly 9.40 US Jap Time (2.40pm BST).
The crew of Artemis 2 are presently taking a well-deserved relaxation (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past08:15 Lauran O’Toole
‘God bless these 4’, says Trump
Throughout a nationwide tackle, Donald Trump congratulated the staff at NASA and praised “our courageous astronauts” following the Artemis 2 launch.
He described the mission as “fairly one thing,” noting that the rocket will journey farther than any crewed mission earlier than it, going nicely past the Moon.
“God bless these 4,” he added.
1 month in the past07:45 Lauran O’Toole
The historic Artemis 2 launch in photos
The Artemis 2 crew are on the primary a part of their 10-day mission and will probably be orbiting Earth earlier than heading to the Moon.
Listed below are some pictues from what was an iconic evening.
The Artemis 2 mission launched from Kennedy Area Centre (Picture: Getty)
The crew will probably be orbiting Earth earlier than heading to the moon (Picture: Getty)
Harmful hydrogen leaks erupted throughout a countdown take a look at earlier this yr, forcing a prolonged flight delay.
To NASA’s aid, no important hydrogen leaks occurred. The launch staff loaded greater than 700,000 gallons of gas (2.6 million liters) into the 32-story Area Launch System rocket on the pad, a easy operation that set the stage for the Artemis II crew to board.
Then NASA needed to overcome a flurry of last-minute technical points — dangerous battery sensors and an incapacity to get instructions by means of to the rocket’s flight termination system. In each circumstances, the problems had been shortly resolved, permitting the launch to proceed.
1 month in the past02:54 Tannur Anders
Trump: ‘It was fairly one thing’
US President Donald Trump congatulated NASA on the sucessful Artemis 2 launch.
“Let me start by congratulating the staff at NASA and our courageous astronauts on the profitable launch of Artemis 2. It was fairly one thing.”
“The mission will journey additional than any crewed rocket has ever flown – previous the Moon, round it, and again from a distance by no means achieved earlier than. It’s unbelievable.”
“They’re on their method, and God bless them. These are actually courageous individuals.”
1 month in the past01:09 Tannur Anders
Communication downside resolved
Mission Management’s communication hyperlink with the orbiting capsule reduce out after switching from one monitoring and knowledge relay satellite tv for pc to a different.
The issue was resolved by resetting floor gear.
The Artemis 2 commander is Reid Wiseman. He led the cost into house with “Let’s go to the moon!”
Wiseman is accompanied by pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen.
The crew is essentially the most numerous lunar crew ever with the primary lady, individual of color and non-US citizen driving in NASA’s new Orion capsule.
1 month in the past00:25 Tannur Anders
Higher stage of rocket will separate
The higher stage of the rocket will separate later in the present day and the crew will manually fly the Orion capsule towards it.
That is to apply docking, making ready for future missions to the moon’s floor.
1 month in the past00:15 Tannur Anders
‘We’re headed proper at it’
5 minutes into the mission, Commander Reid Wiseman noticed the staff’s goal: “We have now a good looking moonrise, we’re headed proper at it,” he stated from the capsule.
1 month in the past23:57 Tannur Anders
Astronauts attain orbit
The 4 astronauts headed to the moon have reached orbit.
They’ll circle the Earth for about 25 hours earlier than catapulting towards the moon.
1 month in the past23:47 Alice Scarsi
Cheers heard as rocket blasts off
Cheers from the crowds gathered on the Kennedy Area Middle may very well be heard after the profitable launch.
(Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past23:42 Alice Scarsi
Artemis 2 launch achieves ‘nominal’ efficiency
The Artemis 2 rocket has launched, and NASA has described its efficiency as “nominal”.
This implies the lift-off went nicely.
The Artemis 2 mission has formally began, with the NASA rocket lifting off with no concern from the Kennedy Area Middle.
Second of the raise off (Picture: NASA) 1 month in the past23:34 Alice Scarsi
T-minus 60 seconds!
The Artemis 2 mission is all set to go – and it’ll depart in simply seconds!
1 month in the past23:34 Alice Scarsi
‘God velocity Artemis 2’
Because the launch director, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, accomplished the launch readiness examine ballot of the varied groups, he wished good luck to the crew.
He stated: “Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy, on this historic mission you are taking the guts of this Artemis staff, the daring spirit of of the American individuals and our companions throughout the globe, and the hopes and goals of a brand new technology. Good luck, God velocity Artemis II. Let’s go.”
Because the Artemis 2 mission has been declared a go, the countdown has entered T-10 minutes and counting.
These are the important thing milestones to come back:
T-10M – GLS initiates terminal depend
T-8M – Crew Entry Arm retract
T-6M – GLS go for core stage tank pressurization
T-6M – Orion ascent pyros are armed
T-6M – Orion set to inner energy
T-5M57S – Core stage LH2 terminate replenish
T-5M20S – LAS functionality is out there
T-5M20S – NTD lets commander is aware of LAS functionality is out there
T-4M40S – GLS go for LH2 excessive movement bleed examine
T-4M30S – Flight termination system armed
T-4M – GLS is go for core stage auxiliary energy unit (APU) begin
T-4M – Core Stage APU begins
T-4M – Core stage LOX terminate replenish
T-3M30S – ICPS LOX terminate replenish
T-3M10S – GLS go for purge sequence 4
T-2M02S – ICPS switches to inner battery energy
T-2M – Booster switches to inner batter energy
T-1M30S – Core stage switches to inner energy
T-1M20S – ICPS enters terminal countdown mode
T-50S – ICPS LH2 terminate replenish
T-33S – GLS sends “go for automated launch sequencer” command
T-30S – Core stage flight pc to automated launching sequencer
T-12S – Hydrogen burn off igniters initiated
T-10S – GLS sends the command for core stage engine begin
T-6.36S– RS-25 engines startup
T-0 – Booster ignition, umbilical separation, and liftoff
1 month in the past23:21 Alice Scarsi
Artemis 2 GO for launch
NASA has performed one other ‘go/no-go’ ballot – and this time it has verified “no constraints”.
This implies the launch is “go for launch”.
1 month in the past23:17 Alice Scarsi
NASA pauses countdown at -10 minutes
NASA has paused its countdown for the Artemis 2 mission launch, simply 10 minutes earlier than the rocket was on account of raise off.
1 month in the past23:16 Alice Scarsi
Who will have the ability to see the launch?
The map beneath reveals the areas from which the rocket could also be seen throughout the first 70 seconds of the launch.
Artemis II rocket launch visibility vary (Picture: NASA) 1 month in the past23:13 Alice Scarsi
NASA holds ‘go/no-go’ ballot
NASA is presently holding the ‘go/no-go’ ballot to find out whether or not it’s nonetheless protected to go forward with the Artemis 2 launch.
1 month in the past23:09 Alice Scarsi
-Quarter-hour to go!
The Artemis 2 mission stays on monitor to depart at 11.24pm BST – with simply Quarter-hour left to go.
(Picture: Getty)
NASA says the battery concern that has been recognized is not going to cease proceedings in the present day.
It stated: “Engineers investigated a sensor on the launch abort system’s perspective management motor controller battery that confirmed a better temperature than can be anticipated. It’s believed to be an instrumentation concern and won’t have an effect on in the present day’s launch.”
1 month in the past22:55 Astha Saxena
What’s the newest battery concern?
NASA says the brand new concern includes one of many two batteries within the Launch Abort System, which is presently exhibiting readings outdoors the anticipated vary.
Engineers are investigating whether or not it’s an actual {hardware} downside or just a defective measurement.
The Launch Abort System, which sits on the very high of the rocket, is designed to drag the crew capsule away to security in an emergency, so any anomaly with its batteries is taken severely.
1 month in the past22:53 Astha Saxena
How a lot time left to the launch?
The historic launch is simply half-hour away from its scheduled take off.
Lower than half an hour is left earlier than the take off (Picture: Getty)
Launch climate officers have issued an up to date forecast that improves on the already‑beneficial 80% outlook.
Circumstances at the moment are rated 90% beneficial for liftoff throughout tonight’s two‑hour launch window, with clear skies over the pad — a welcome change after transient rain showers moved by means of earlier within the afternoon.
1 month in the past22:47 Astha Saxena
How a lot time do the specialists need to resolve the problem?
If the temperature concern remains to be current at T‑minus six minutes (11:18pm), the launch will probably be referred to as off.
Engineers typically encounter late‑stage considerations, and there may be nonetheless time to resolve them earlier than the countdown reaches that time.
The launch window opens at 11:24pm and lasts for 2 hours, giving the staff further flexibility to troubleshoot any remaining issues earlier than committing to liftoff.
1 month in the past22:38 Astha Saxena
One other concern hits the mission
NASA is seeing uncommon temperature readings from a battery within the Launch Abort System, the company spokesperson Derrol Nail stated, noting that whereas the problem isn’t presently holding up the countdown, it will halt the mission if it appeared through the remaining moments of terminal depend.
Engineers are nonetheless figuring out whether or not the studying is just the results of a defective sensor or if the battery is genuinely operating at an unsafe temperature.
1 month in the past22:28 Astha Saxena
Orion’s hatch is now closed
The shut‑out crew is ending their remaining duties at Launch Complicated 39B earlier than leaving the pad, as preparations proceed for tonight’s Artemis II launch to the Moon.
The company stated in its web site: “Technicians have accomplished the launch abort system hatch closure – an important step that ensures the Orion spacecraft is totally sealed and prepared for flight.
“The hatch offers an extra protecting barrier for the crew module, designed to safeguard astronauts through the Artemis II flight path and, if vital, allow a fast escape within the occasion of an emergency.”
The close-out crew closes the ultimate hatch (Picture: NASA) 1 month in the past22:24 Astha Saxena
The problem is now resolved
The problem with the flight termination system, which was reported a couple of minutes in the past, has now been resolved.
A NASA commentator stated on the company’s livestream: “It is a very vital security part, when it comes to how the vary retains the general public protected right here.”
On its web site, NASA has simply stated: “A confidence take a look at was carried out to make sure that the {hardware} is able to assist in the present day’s launch.”
1 month in the past22:11 Astha Saxena
What’s a flight termination system?
NASA defined: “The flight termination system is a security system that permits engineers on the bottom to ship a sign to destruct the rocket if it had been to veer off target throughout ascent, to guard public security.”
NASA is focusing on a two-hour launch window that opens at 6.24 p.m. ET (Picture: Getty)
Derrol Nail of NASA communications stated: “It is the system that the Jap Vary right here makes use of with the intention to ship a destruct sign to a rocket in case it veers off path. So it is a very vital, essential security part when it comes to how the vary retains the general public protected.”
To confirm the repairs to the system, engineers are working with the FTS console operator and have introduced in a bit of legacy gear from the Automobile Meeting Constructing that was initially used through the Area Shuttle Program.
He added: “This gear is ready to obtain instructions by the vary by means of the flight termination system. The underside line is that, at this second, the vary is no-go. However that isn’t stopping us from transferring ahead within the countdown.”
1 month in the past21:55 Astha Saxena
NASA stories concern with flight termination system
NASA stated a slight concern with the flight termination system has come up throughout last-minute checks.
“It is a very vital security part, when it comes to how the vary retains the general public protected right here,” a NASA commentator stated on the company’s livestream.
Kennedy Area Middle Customer Complicated wrote on X: “Groups are working a problem with the flight termination system. The countdown is constant and extra updates will probably be supplied as obtainable.”
ud83dudea8ARTEMIS II UPDATEud83dudea8 Groups are working a problem with the flight termination system. The countdown is constant and extra updates will probably be supplied as obtainable.
u2014 Kennedy Area Middle Customer Complicated (@ExploreSpaceKSC) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past21:41 Astha Saxena
How will it look from the opposite aspect?
NASA says that from the Orion capsule, the Moon will seem concerning the dimension of a basketball held at arm’s size, with a a lot smaller Earth seen behind it.
This vantage level will give the crew a primary‑ever human view of the lunar south pole, a key goal for future touchdown missions.
The astronauts are additionally anticipated to witness a uncommon complete photo voltaic eclipse from the far aspect of the Moon, one thing no human has seen earlier than.
The view from the far aspect (Picture: NASA)
Engineers and pad technicians are finishing up remaining checks contained in the spacecraft, eradicating any non‑flight objects and preparing for the hatch to be closed.
The launch staff stories no technical issues with both the Area Launch System booster or the Orion spacecraft, and the countdown continues to run easily towards tonight’s deliberate liftoff at 6:24 PM EDT (22:24 GMT).
1 month in the past21:08 Astha Saxena
Sturdy winds reported
Climate officers at NASA have been up to date concerning the present scenario and as per the web site stream, robust winds are being reported within the higher a part of the environment.
In the course of the net stream, they stated: “The winds are pushing onshore. Due to that, the launch climate officer is conserving a detailed eye on the power of that wind.”
1 month in the past20:55 Astha Saxena
Crew is all set to go!
The 4 of the crew members are all buckled in and able to go.
The Artemis II crew contained in the capsule (Picture: NASA) 1 month in the past20:15 Astha Saxena
Donald Trump cheers for the crew
Donald Trump has voiced a video hailing the US as “a nation of pioneers” forward of the Artemis II launch.
Trump will probably be monitoring the deliberate launch from the White Home, an official informed our US associate community NBC Information.
In a video posted on X by the White Home, Trump stated: “It’s America’s future to be on the forefront of humanity’s everlasting quest for data and to be the chief amongst nations on our journey into the nice unknown.
“The human soul yearns for discovery – by unlocking the mysteries of the universe, we unlock truths inside ourselves.
“We’re a nation of pioneers, and the subsequent nice American frontier is house, and we have by no means accomplished, however now we begin once more.”
Learn the total story right here
Donald Trump has issued a message for the crew members (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past20:03 Astha Saxena
Crew members have named the capsule ‘Integrity’
The astronauts have simply entered the Orion crew capsule, which they named Integrity.
1 month in the past19:56 Astha Saxena
What’s a White room?
4 crew members have signed the within of the White Room, an space on the finish of the crew entry arm that gives entry to the spacecraft.
Based on NASA, the time period “White Room” dates to NASA’s Gemini program, and to honor this human spaceflight custom, the room stays white in the present day.
4 crew members have signed the within of the White Room (Picture: NASA)
The Artemis II crew was pushed to the launchpad forward of their upcoming mission across the Moon.
A correct sendoff ud83euddd1u200dud83dude80
The Artemis II crew was pushed to the launchpad forward of their upcoming mission across the Moon. After checking their spacesuits and donning their helmets and gloves, the crew will settle into the Orion spacecraft. pic.twitter.com/QXJNKw6983
u2014 NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past19:26 Alice Scarsi
One final look…
Astronauts had been noticed strolling contained in the Orio capsule.
On the walkway, two of the crew members, Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen, had been noticed wanting over the sting, taking one final look to the bottom earlier than the mission is to begin.
1 month in the past19:18 Alice Scarsi
Artemis 2 astronauts attain the rocket
After a brief 20-minute journey, the crew of astronauts has reached the rocket, which stands able to depart.
The astronauts on the launch pad (Picture: NASA)
The astronauts at the moment are being taken to the launch pad in a van.
In the course of the brief 20-minute journey, NASA stated a number of the crew members had been planning to look at a movie for a couple of minutes.
The movies chosen had been Prime Gun and Level Break.
The van heading to the launch pad (Picture: NASA) 1 month in the past19:09 Alice Scarsi
Astronauts say goodbye to their households earlier than the launch
The astronauts had the prospect to say goodbye to their households earlier than the launch.
After rising from the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Constructing to very large cheers from these gathered outdoors, the four-strong crew was seen waving and smiling at their family members.
The astronauts had an opportunity to say goodbye to their households (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past18:50 Astha Saxena
You may watch the launch stay
The countdown to look at the launch of Artemis 2 has begun because the moon-bound rocket is all set to take off with 4 astronauts aboard. The primary manned moon mission in 54 years is geared toward making the bottom work for a future moon touchdown.
You may watch it stay right here
1 month in the past18:18 Astha Saxena
Astronauts gear up for the launch mission
Within the newest video shared by NASA, 4 astronauts are having their fits fitted as they put together for the upcoming launch.
We’re going across the Moon. Come watch with us. Artemis II’s four-astronaut crew is lifting off from @NASAKennedy on an roughly 10-day mission that can carry us nearer to residing on the Moon and Mars. The launch window opens at 6:24pm ET (2224 UTC). https://t.co/X27QJejNDt
u2014 NASA (@NASA) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past18:13 Astha Saxena
Climate is 80% beneficial
Based on NASA, the climate forecast reveals an 80% probability of beneficial climate situations, with cloud protection and potential for prime winds on the bottom as major climate considerations.
1 month in the past18:11 Astha Saxena
NASA shares remaining climate briefing earlier than the launch
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; and Christina Koch, mission specialist; together with CSA (Canadian Area Company) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist, had been briefed on wind speeds, precipitation, lightning danger, and sea states for splashdown contingencies, guaranteeing all security standards are met earlier than continuing with launch operations.
Stay protection of Artemis II tanking operations continues on NASA’s YouTube channel.
NASA Prepares For Artemis II Moon Mission (Picture: Getty)
April 1 – 6.24pm EDT (11.24pm GMT)
April 2 – 7.22pm EDT (00.22am GMT)
April 3 – 8pm EDT (1am GMT)
April 4 – 8.53pm EDT (1.53am GMT)
April 5 – 9.40pm EDT (2.40am GMT)
April 6 – 10.36pm EDT (3.36am GMT)
April 30 – 6.06 EDT (11.06pm GMT)
1 month in the past17:41 Astha Saxena
Fuelling is full
NASA has confirmed that the fueling is almost full. In an replace, it stated: “Groups have confirmed the higher stage is in good condition and are continuing with the LOX vent and aid take a look at. This step helps confirm correct strain regulation and ensures the system is able to transition into topping and, later, replenish operations.”
1 month in the past17:30 Astha Saxena
All we find out about Artemis 2 mission:
Artemis 2 will ship astronauts close to the Moon for the primary time in over 50 years.
The ten‑day mission will take the crew farther from Earth than any people have ever travelled.
The astronauts received’t land on the Moon however goal to assemble new insights and put together for future landings.
The mission launches from Kennedy Area Middle in Florida.
As soon as the rocket reaches about 70,000 km (45,000 miles) above Earth, the Orion spacecraft will separate and enter Earth orbit.
Whereas nonetheless near Earth, the crew will assess whether or not to proceed; returning dwelling is simpler at this stage if issues come up.
If every part checks out, Orion will fireplace its primary engine to interrupt freed from Earth’s gravity and head towards the Moon.
A UK firm is all set to play a vital function within the historic Artemis 2 mission. A Cornish house centre will probably be offering communications assist by passively monitoring the Orion spacecraft because it journeys across the moon and again to earth. Goonhilly, a floor station close to a surprising market city Helston, will probably be on the centre of the method.
Learn full story right here
1 month in the past16:59 Astha Saxena
Yet one more stage nearer to the mission
NASA has commenced quick fill of the higher stage’s liquid oxygen.
1 month in the past16:45 Astha Saxena
Canadian Astronaut shares remaining message earlier than taking off
Jeremy Hansen is a mission specialist on the Artemis 2 mission, NASA. He has shared a message on X earlier than taking off to the mission.
One final message earlier than the launch of Artemis II… pic.twitter.com/IpmYBKrhu7
— Jeremy R. Hansen (@Astro_Jeremy) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past16:42 Astha Saxena
Artemis 2 is now totally loaded
NASA says fueling is nearly full, with solely the higher‑stage liquid oxygen nonetheless to be loaded, a course of that isn’t scheduled to start for a short while but.
1 month in the past16:27 Astha Saxena
What’s the goal of this mission?
The goal of the mission is to put the bottom work for a future moon touchdown for the primary time because the Apollo missions within the Nineteen Sixties and Seventies, and is a part of NASA’S long-term plans to construct an area station.
The mission will take a look at vital programs that will probably be wanted for future deep-space missions. (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past16:13 Astha Saxena
What has been the price of this mission?
The mission has value $93bn (round £70bn) to date.
The mission has value $93bn (round £70bn) to date. (Picture: Getty)
The launch window for the mission opens at 18:24 native time on Wednesday (23:24 BST) and lasts for 2 hours.
NASA Prepares For Artemis II Moon Mission (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past16:03 Astha Saxena
Core stage liquid hydrogen hits 100%
NASA says the core stage’s liquid hydrogen tank has now been crammed to 100%. Engineers will proceed topping it as much as maintain it full, as a number of the gas naturally boils off over time.
1 month in the past15:30 Alice Scarsi
Beautiful solar rises above Kennedy Area Middle
The climate situations proceed to carry forward of tonight’s launch.
The solar shining above the Kennedy Area Middle (Picture: Getty)
The Artemis II launch staff has begun the liquid hydrogen chilldown for the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or SLS (Area Launch System) rocket higher stage, NASA stated.
This step is crucial to stop thermal shock and make sure the stage is correctly conditioned for full propellant loading, the house company defined.
1 month in the past14:58 Catherine Mackinlay
Artemis 2 crew wakes up forward of launch
The Kennedy Area Middle has simply confirmed that the crew have now woken up forward of launch.
Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen had been woke up at 9.25am ET.
On the similar time, launch groups are finishing up a countdown standing examine as preparations proceed forward of liftoff.
9:25 am ET – NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, together with CSA (Canadian Area Company) astronaut Jeremy Hansen simply awoke and the launch staff is conducting a countdown standing examine.
u2014 NASA’s Kennedy Area Middle (@NASAKennedy) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past14:50 Catherine Mackinlay
Jeremy Hansen set to change into first Canadian on a moon mission
Jeremy Hansen is ready to make historical past as the primary Canadian astronaut to participate in a lunar mission.
Hansen, a former fighter pilot and colonel within the Canadian Armed Forces, will journey across the Moon aboard Artemis II.
He joined the Canadian Area Company in 2009 and has spent years coaching for deep house missions, mission operations and astronaut communications.
Canadian Area Company astronaut Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past14:40 Catherine Mackinlay
King Charles writes to Jeremy Hansen and shares ‘immense delight for the mission’
King Charles III has written to Jeremy Hansen forward of Artemis II.
The King praised Hansen’s management and imaginative and prescient as he prepares to change into the primary Canadian astronaut to participate in a Moon mission.
In a press release, the Royal Household additionally highlighted the significance of accountable house exploration as world curiosity within the Moon and wider house business continues to develop.
Learn the total message right here.
Marking the launch of @NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon, The King has written to mission specialist, Canadian Area Company astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen – the primary Canadian to journey on a moon mission – commending his management and imaginative and prescient.
The primary rocket to go aroundu2026 pic.twitter.com/1G0AunrFp5
u2014 The Royal Household (@RoyalFamily) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past14:33 Catherine Mackinlay
What is going to occur on every day of the Artemis 2 mission?
-Day 1 – The crew reaches house, assessments Orion’s programs and practises spacecraft manoeuvres.
-Day 2 – Orion performs the important thing engine burn that sends the astronauts in the direction of the Moon.
-Day 3 – The crew carries out medical assessments, emergency drills and a course correction burn.
-Day 4 – Astronauts put together for the Moon flyby and take photographs from Orion’s home windows.
-Day 5 – Orion enters the Moon’s sphere of affect and the crew assessments their spacesuits.
-Day 6 – The astronauts fly across the far aspect of the Moon and take photographs and movies.
-Day 7 – Orion leaves the Moon’s orbit space and the crew begins the journey dwelling.
-Day 8 – The astronauts take a look at radiation shelters and Orion’s handbook piloting system.
-Day 9 – The crew prepares for re-entry and practises splashdown procedures.
-Day 10 – Orion returns to Earth and splashes down within the Pacific Ocean.
1 month in the past13:51 Catherine Mackinlay
Why Artemis 2 fuelling begins slowly
Groups on the Kennedy Area Middle have began fuelling the Artemis II rocket with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen forward of launch.
The method begins slowly to cease the super-cold propellants damaging the rocket’s programs earlier than fuelling quickens afterward.
Groups at @NASAKennedy have begun slowly filling the Artemis II rocket with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
This course of begins slowly u2014and then picks up velocity u2014 with the intention to stop the supercold propellants from damaging the system.
u2014 NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) April 1, 2026
NASA has formally given the go-ahead for tanking operations forward of Artemis II.
The launch director authorized propellant loading at 7.33am EDT which means groups have now began fuelling the Area Launch System forward of launch.
The 2-hour launch window is because of open at 6.24pm EDT (11.24pm BST within the UK) from Launch Complicated 39B on the Kennedy Area Middle in Florida.
The launch staff at @NASAKennedy are GO to start filling the Artemis II rocket with gas.
The official launch broadcast begins at 12:50pm ET (1650 UTC). Liftoff is scheduled for no sooner than 6:24 pm ET (2224 UTC). Tanking protection could be discovered right here: https://t.co/VVJqQrRz4a pic.twitter.com/tFoKsKxOvX
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) April 1, 2026
1 month in the past13:39 Catherine Mackinlay
Moon rocket captured within the early morning gentle
NASA’s Artemis II moon rocket with the Orion Spacecraft atop rests on Launch Complicated 39B within the early morning gentle
NASA’s Artemis II moon rocket with the Orion Spacecraft atop rests on Launch Complicated 39B (Picture: Pat Benic/UPI/Shutterstock) 1 month in the past13:32 Catherine Mackinlay
NASA to this about fuelling Artemis 2 rocket
Groups engaged on Artemis 2 are anticipated to resolve shortly whether or not situations are ok to start “tanking” the rocket.
In the event that they get the go-ahead, engineers will begin loading greater than 700,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Area Launch System forward of launch.
Fuelling is likely one of the remaining main steps earlier than liftoff and may solely start if climate and technical situations are appropriate.
.@NASAArtemis II groups will quickly resolve in the event that they’re “go” to begin tanking SLS.
If good to proceed, they’re going to load 700,000+ gallons (2.6M+ liters) of cryogenic propellants on the rocket forward of the crewed launch. pic.twitter.com/5gup13eRu6
u2014 Boeing Area (@BoeingSpace) April 1, 2026
– Reid Wiseman – Commander: He’s accountable for the general mission, crew and flight operations.
– Victor Glover – Pilot: He helps management the spacecraft and helps navigation and flight programs.
– Christina Koch – Mission specialist: She is accountable for particular mission duties, onboard programs and scientific work.
-Jeremy Hansen – Mission specialist. He’ll help with spacecraft operations, experiments and communications through the flight.
The Artemis 2 crew (Picture: NASA/Joel Kowsky / SWNS) 1 month in the past13:10 Catherine Mackinlay
Christina Koch set to change into first lady on a lunar mission
Christina Koch is likely one of the 4 astronauts onboard Artemis 2 and can change into the primary lady to participate in a lunar mission.
Koch beforehand spent 328 days in house, setting the report for the longest single spaceflight by a lady.
She additionally took half within the first all-female spacewalks throughout her time aboard the Worldwide Area Station.
Artemis II mission specialist NASA Christina Koch (Picture: CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA/Shutterstock) 1 month in the past12:58 Catherine Mackinlay
Victor Glover set to change into first Black astronaut on a lunar mission
Victor Glover is the pilot of Artemis 2 and can change into the primary Black astronaut to participate in a lunar mission.
The previous US Navy pilot beforehand flew on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission and spent 168 days aboard the Worldwide Area Station.
Throughout his earlier mission, Glover took half in scientific experiments, know-how assessments and 4 spacewalks.
Talking concerning the milestone to the Instances, Glover stated he hopes race and gender milestones will in the future change into irrelevant as house exploration turns into a “story of humanity”.
He added that he sees his function on Artemis 2 as “human historical past, not black historical past”.
NASA astronaut and Artemis II pilot Victor Glover (Picture: AFP through Getty Pictures) 1 month in the past12:39 Catherine Mackinlay
Has Artemis 2 been delayed earlier than? A have a look at NASA’s launch setbacks
Artemis 2 has already confronted plenty of delays earlier than its deliberate launch.
The mission was initially anticipated to fly years in the past, with early timelines suggesting a launch between 2019 and 2021. That was later pushed again to 2023, then September 2025, earlier than slipping once more to April 2026. Technical points with Orion’s warmth defend and life assist system had been among the many causes for the sooner delays.
Extra lately, NASA had hoped to launch Artemis 2 in February 2026, however that focus on was delayed after a liquid hydrogen leak was found throughout a costume rehearsal. The mission was then pushed again once more after a helium movement concern pressured engineers to return the rocket to its hangar for repairs.
Regardless of the setbacks, NASA says Artemis 2 stays on monitor for launch in April and officers have confused that the delays had been vital to verify the mission is protected.
Shawn Quinn, supervisor speaks about fixes completed to to quite a few Artemis II rocket elements (Picture: AFP through Getty Pictures) 1 month in the past12:21 Catherine Mackinlay
What are the Area Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft?
Artemis 2 will use NASA’s enormous Area Launch System rocket to raise the Orion spacecraft into house.
The Area Launch System, typically shortened to SLS, is NASA’s strongest rocket because the Saturn V used through the Apollo period.
As soon as in house, the Orion spacecraft will carry the 4 astronauts across the Moon and again to Earth.
NASA says Orion has been designed for deep house missions and consists of residing house, life assist programs and emergency safety for the crew through the 10-day journey.
NASA’s Area Launch System (SLS) rocket, with the Orion capsule atop, is seen on Launch Complicated 39B (Picture: Jennifer Briggs/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock) 1 month in the past11:41 Catherine Mackinlay
Underneath 12 hours to go till Artemis II launch
There at the moment are lower than 12 hours to go till Artemis II is because of raise off from the Kennedy Area Middle in Florida.
If all goes to plan, the rocket will launch at 11.24pm BST and ship 4 astronauts across the Moon on NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in additional than 50 years.
Climate remains to be being monitored intently, however NASA says situations presently give an 80% probability of a profitable launch.
Countdown has begun (Picture: Pat Benic/UPI/Shutterstock)
As soon as the spacecraft is in house, it will likely be far too small and distant to see from the UK with the bare eye.
Although Artemis II will journey across the Moon, the Orion spacecraft will solely actually be seen by means of specialist telescopes and monitoring gear.
NASA says the rocket and spacecraft change into not possible to see with the bare eye as soon as they attain round 42,000 toes after launch.
These in Florida and southern Georgia can have a shot at seeing it through the timeline beneath.
Are you able to see our Moon rocket raise off out of your yard?
Skywatchers in Florida and southern Georgia can have a shot. Take a look at this map to see when it’s best to search for! Artemis II is focused to launch no sooner than April 1. pic.twitter.com/3WsJlEVufK
u2014 NASA (@NASA) March 31, 2026
1 month in the past11:31 Catherine Mackinlay
Video introducing the crew behind NASA’s newest mission to the moon
Check out the 4 astronauts making ready to make historical past on NASA’s first crewed Moon mission in additional than 50 years.
Meet the crew behind NASA’s newest mission to the moon
1 month in the past11:24 Catherine Mackinlay
UK firm supporting Artemis 2 mission
An area centre in Cornwall will play an essential function in Artemis II by serving to NASA monitor the Orion spacecraft because it travels across the Moon and again to Earth.
Goonhilly Earth Station, close to Helston, will present communications assist through the mission utilizing its specialist monitoring gear.
The corporate additionally helped with Artemis I in 2022, when it tracked the uncrewed Orion spacecraft and supported a number of CubeSats deployed through the flight.
UK house minister Liz Lloyd stated it as “implausible to see Cornwall as soon as once more on the coronary heart of a very historic second in human spaceflight”.
Readers can discover out extra in our full report on Cornwall’s function within the mission.
Goonhilly Earth Station (Picture: Greg Martin/ Cornwall)
Artemis II is launching through the yr america marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
NASA has highlighted the timing as symbolic, with Artemis II representing a brand new period of exploration greater than 50 years after the Apollo missions.
The rocket itself even carries particular “America 250” markings, which NASA says are designed to rejoice the nation’s lengthy historical past of innovation and discovery.
For NASA, Artemis II isn’t just about returning astronauts to the Moon – additionally it is being offered as a part of America’s subsequent main chapter in house exploration.
Weu2019re launching Artemis II throughout Americau2019s 250th yr. ud83cuddfaud83cuddf8
Honored to rejoice it with @Freedom250. pic.twitter.com/wiSL867936
u2014 NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) March 31, 2026
1 month in the past11:10 Catherine Mackinlay
Artemis 1 mission
Artemis I used to be the primary mission in NASA’s Artemis programme and flew in 2022.
Not like Artemis II, Artemis I didn’t carry astronauts. It was an uncrewed take a look at mission designed to examine that the Orion spacecraft and Area Launch System rocket might safely journey across the Moon and return to Earth.
The mission lasted 25 days and efficiently orbited the Moon earlier than splashing down within the Pacific Ocean.
The Artemis I unmanned lunar rocket lifts off from launch pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Area Middle (Picture: AFP through Getty Pictures) 1 month in the past11:05 Catherine Mackinlay
How historic is the Artemis 2 mission?
Artemis 2 is certainly one of NASA’s most essential house missions in a long time.
It is going to be the primary time astronauts have travelled across the Moon because the Apollo period and the primary crewed lunar mission in additional than 50 years.
The flight may even mark a number of milestones, with Christina Koch set to change into the primary lady on a lunar mission, Victor Glover turning into the primary Black astronaut on a lunar mission and Jeremy Hansen turning into the primary Canadian to journey to the Moon.
NASA hopes the mission will pave the way in which for future Moon landings, a long-term lunar base and finally human missions to Mars.
1 month in the past10:44 Catherine Mackinlay
Is the Artemis 2 rocket already on the launch pad?
Sure, NASA has already moved the Artemis 2 rocket to Launch Pad 39B on the Kennedy Area Middle.
The rollout passed off on March 20, when the Area Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft accomplished the sluggish four-mile journey from the Automobile Meeting Constructing to the pad forward of launch preparations.
The Artemis 2 rocket rolls from the Automobile Meeting Constructing to Launch Pad 39B on March 20 (Picture: AP) 1 month in the past10:37 Catherine Mackinlay
Will the Artemis 2 crew land on the moon?
No – Artemis II is not going to land on the moon.
As a substitute, the 4 astronauts will journey across the Moon earlier than returning to Earth, making it NASA’s first crewed lunar mission because the Apollo period.
The mission is designed to check the Orion spacecraft, life assist programs and crew procedures in deep house forward of future lunar landings.
NASA is aiming for astronauts to land on the Moon throughout Artemis III, which is anticipated to observe Artemis II.
Full Moon on April 1 (Picture: Saulo Dias/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock) 1 month in the past10:32 Catherine Mackinlay
The Artemis 2 crew meals menu
Artemis II astronauts can have 189 menu objects to select from through the mission, together with greater than 10 completely different drinks.
Among the many beverage choices are espresso, inexperienced tea, lemonade, apple cider, cocoa and even mango-peach smoothies.
Well-liked meals selections embody tortillas, vegetable quiche, breakfast sausage, couscous with nuts, mango salad, barbecued beef brisket, macaroni and cheese and tropical fruit salad.
The crew may even have loads of candy treats obtainable, together with cookies, chocolate, cake, cobbler and pudding.
NASA says the astronauts are anticipated to get by means of 43 cups of espresso through the mission, whereas 58 tortillas are additionally packed onboard.
There are additionally 5 completely different scorching sauces travelling across the Moon with the crew.
The Artemis II meals menu (Picture: NASA)
The primary purpose of Artemis II is to check NASA’s Orion spacecraft with astronauts onboard for the primary time earlier than future Moon landings happen.
In the course of the mission, the crew will journey across the Moon and again to Earth whereas finishing up checks on navigation, communications, life assist programs and handbook spacecraft dealing with.
Not like later Artemis missions, Artemis II is not going to land on the Moon. As a substitute, it’s designed to show that the spacecraft and crew can safely full a deep house journey forward of future lunar landings below Artemis III and eventual missions to Mars.
1 month in the past10:23 Catherine Mackinlay
Meet the Artemis 2 astronauts
-Reid Wiseman – A former Worldwide Area Station flight engineer who has spent greater than 165 days in house and carried out two spacewalks.
-Victor Glover – A NASA astronaut and Navy pilot who beforehand flew on SpaceX Crew-1 and spent 168 days aboard the Worldwide Area Station.
-Christina Koch – A record-breaking astronaut who spent 328 days in house and took half within the first all-female spacewalks.
-Jeremy Hansen – A Canadian astronaut and former fighter pilot who will probably be making his first journey into house on Artemis II.
For a more in-depth have a look at the astronauts’ backgrounds and careers, learn our full crew information.
Artemis 2 Astronauts arrive at Kennedy Area Middle (Picture: Getty Pictures) 1 month in the past10:16 Catherine Mackinlay
Again astronaut heads to rocket for remaining Artemis II checks
Jenni Gibbons has been finishing up remaining pre-launch work forward of Artemis II.
Gibbons is the backup astronaut for Jeremy Hansen, which means she has undergone the identical coaching as the principle crew and can be able to step in if he grew to become unavailable earlier than launch.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman revealed that Gibbons was “minutes away” from heading to the rocket to carry out remaining checks and set up the mission’s “little buddy”, Rise, contained in the spacecraft.
As each astronauts are a part of the Canadian Area Company, Gibbons has been intently concerned in mission preparations and is supporting the crew forward of launch.
Brushing up on procedures, @Astro_Jenni is minutes away from heading to the rocket to carry out remaining checksu2026and set up our little buddy #Rise within the spacecraft. pic.twitter.com/cwvcdmuDJj
u2014 Reid Wiseman (@astro_reid) April 1, 2026
NASA will probably be live-streaming the mission on its YouTube channel, Twitch, X and Fb accounts, in addition to by means of its app and NASA+ streaming service.
Protection may even be obtainable on third-party streaming platforms together with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu and Roku.
The Categorical may even be bringing you reside protection of the mission, together with a livestream from launch by means of to splashdown, so keep tuned.
1 month in the past10:04 Catherine Mackinlay
What number of crews members will probably be on Artemis 2?
Artemis II will carry 4 astronauts.
The crew is made up of:
-Reid Wiseman
-Victor Glover
-Christina Koch
-Jeremy Hansen
It is going to be the primary crewed Moon mission because the Apollo program period.
The Artemis II crew pre-launch (Picture: Getty) 1 month in the past10:00 Catherine Mackinlay
Artemis II mission timeline: 15 key moments from launch to splashdown
-1- Launch – Astronauts raise off from pad 39B at Kennedy Area Middle.
-2- Jettison Strong Rocket Boosters, Fairings, and Launch Abort System
-3- Core Stage Essential Engine Cutoff – With separation.
-4- Perigee Elevate Maneuver
-5- Apogee Elevate Burn to Excessive Earth Orbit – Start 23.5-hour checkout of spacecraft.
6-6 Orion Separation from Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) adopted by proximity operations demo and handbook dealing with evaluation (as much as 2 hours).
-7- Orion Higher Stage Separation (Toss) Burn – Begins excessive Earth orbit checkout. Life assist, train, and habitation gear evaluations.
-8- Perigee Elevate Burn
-9- Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) – By Orion’s primary engine; lunar free-return trajectory initiated with the European service module.
-10- Outbound Transit to Moon – Outbound trajectory correction burns as vital; journey time about 4 days.
-11- Lunar Flyby – About 4,047 miles (6,513 km) imply far-side flyby altitude.
-12- Trans-Earth Return – Return trajectory correction burns to goal for Earth’s environment; journey time about 4 days.
-13- Crew Module Separation from Service Module
-14- Entry Interface – Enter Earth’s environment.
-15- Splashdown – Ship recovers astronauts and capsule.
To learn extra concerning the astronauts making ready for launch at our earlier article right here.
1 month in the past09:57 Catherine Mackinlay
Newest from NASA – ‘climate wanting good’
Round 11 hours agao, NASA stated the climate is for a lot ‘wanting good’ Artemis II launch.
The climate’s wanting good for tomorrow’s Artemis II launch, and our groups are getting the rocket prepared for liftoff!
Learn the newest updates on our mission across the Moon: https://t.co/doIjUqa1cx pic.twitter.com/TtoI6FIkvl
u2014 NASA (@NASA) March 31, 2026
1 month in the past09:54 Catherine Mackinlay
What time is Artemis 2 launching?
Artemis II is presently on account of launch at 11.24pm UK time tonight, climate allowing.
NASA says situations are round 80 per cent beneficial for lift-off, though cloud cowl and winds stay below shut watch.
If the launch is delayed, additional launch home windows can be found later this week.
NASA’s Artemis II Area Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft relaxation on Launch Pad 39B (Picture: AFP through Getty Pictures)
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