Artemis II mission
The Artemis II mission concluded on April 11, 2026, with the Orion spacecraft returning to Earth after a 10-day journey around the Moon, reaching 700,237 miles from Earth. As of July 30, 2026, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, an Artemis II crew member, is set to release his book "Earthrise" on October 27, 2026, detailing his experiences on the first crewed lunar orbit in over 50 years. The U.S. GAO reported in July 2026 that the Orion capsule contributed to cost overruns, while NASA announced the Artemis III crew for a mid-2027 launch to test Orion docking, with Artemis IV targeting a lunar south pole landing by late 2028. Botswana became the 68th signatory to the Artemis Accords on June 25, 2026, following the mission's success.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 7 developments
Artemis II Mission Concludes April 11; Orion Capsule Contributes to Cost Overruns
The Artemis II mission concluded with the Orion spacecraft returning to Earth on April 11, 2026, after a 10-day journey around the Moon. The mission launched on April 1, 2026, and reached a distance of 700,237 miles from Earth. NASA also released a request for information regarding CubeSats for future Artemis missions in May 2026.
Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen to release book detailing lunar mission experiences
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will release his book, "Earthrise: A Canadian Astronaut's Journey Into Deep Space," on October 27, 2026. The book will detail his experiences on the Artemis II mission, which orbited the Moon in April 2026. This mission was the first crewed lunar orbit in over 50 years.
Artemis II Orion capsule cited for cost overruns; NASA refocuses lunar plans
Recent assessments from the U.S. GAO in July 2026 indicate that the Orion crew capsule for Artemis II has been a major contributor to cost overruns within NASA's major projects. NASA is also pausing some future Artemis projects, such as the Gateway space station, to prioritize infrastructure for sustained lunar surface operations.
Artemis II Astronaut Suggests Equatorial Lunar Landing Sites for Future Missions
Astronaut Victor Glover suggested future Artemis missions should target landing sites closer to the lunar equator, rather than the south pole. These discussions are part of ongoing assessments for upcoming lunar missions. The Artemis II mission successfully concluded on April 10, 2026, testing NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft.
Artemis II Astronauts Visit Capitol Hill After Lunar Mission
Artemis II astronauts visited Capitol Hill to share their experiences with policymakers following their successful lunar flyby and return to Earth in April 2026. This visit occurred three months after their mission, during which they also reunited with their capsule and launch team at Kennedy Space Center.
Artemis II astronauts return to Kennedy Space Center for post-mission visit and salute
Artemis II astronauts returned to Kennedy Space Center on July 8, 2026, for their first visit since the mission's launch. They were also honored at a 'Salute to America' event on July 4, 2026. The mission previously completed its 10-day journey around the Moon and returned to Earth on April 10, 2026.
NASA Announces Artemis III Crew, Targets Mid-2027 Launch for Moon Mission
NASA has announced the crew for the Artemis III mission, targeting a mid-2027 launch for testing Orion docking procedures in Earth orbit. The mission's ultimate goal is to land astronauts near the lunar south pole with Artemis IV as early as late 2028.
June 2026 — 6 developments
Botswana Joins Artemis Accords, Expanding International Space Cooperation
Botswana became the 68th signatory to the Artemis Accords on June 25, 2026, following the successful Artemis II mission. This expansion of international cooperation is a key development in NASA's lunar exploration program.
NASA Seeks CubeSat Proposals for Future Artemis Missions
NASA is soliciting interest for CubeSats to be launched on future Artemis missions, with a response deadline of June 1, 2026. This initiative is part of the broader Artemis program aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and support future missions to Mars.
Artemis II Mission Inspires Congressional Medal Act and Boosts Visitor Complex Attendance
The 'Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act' has been introduced to honor the four crew members for their historic achievement. Additionally, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is experiencing increased attendance due to the mission's success, and artifacts from Artemis II are being considered for display.
Artemis III Mission Hardware Arrives at Kennedy Space Center
Hardware for the Artemis III mission has arrived at Kennedy Space Center, following the successful Artemis II crewed lunar flyby in April 2026. This arrival marks a foundational step towards establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon and future missions to Mars.
NASA Artemis Program Faces Infrastructure Concerns and Teamwork Study Post-Artemis II
A NASA Office of Inspector General report warns that aging infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center may not be sufficient for upcoming Artemis launches without significant upgrades. Additionally, a NASA-backed study is analyzing data from the Artemis II mission to assess system performance and inform future missions, focusing on teamwork and communication delays.
NASA Accelerates Artemis Missions, Targets Annual Launch Cadence and 2027 for Artemis III
NASA is accelerating Artemis missions with a goal of an annual launch cadence, revising Artemis III to prioritize orbital tests before a lunar landing. Artemis III is now targeted for 2027, with Artemis IV and V planned for 2028 to land at the lunar South Pole and begin constructing a permanent Moon base.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Artemis II Mission Success Paves Way for 2028 Lunar Landing
NASA is targeting early 2028 for the first Artemis lunar landing, following the successful April 2026 Artemis II crewed lunar flyby. The mission's Orion spacecraft traveled over 694,000 miles, setting a new record for human spaceflight distance. Pre-launch activities in early 2026, including a 'wet dress rehearsal' and fueling test of the SLS rocket, were crucial for the mission's success.
April 2026 — 10 developments
Artemis II Astronauts to Detail Historic Lunar Flyby Mission at NASA Press Conference
Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will share details of their historic lunar flyby mission at a NASA press conference on April 16, 2026. The crew successfully returned to Earth on April 10, 2026, after setting a new record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth.
NASA assesses Artemis II hardware, plans corrective actions for Artemis III
NASA is continuing to assess hardware from the Artemis II mission, investigating an issue with a urine vent line and implementing corrective actions for Artemis III. The agency is analyzing data from Orion's re-entry and splashdown as it prepares for future lunar surface missions.
Artemis II Orion capsule splashes down, safely returning four-person crew to Earth
The Artemis II mission concluded on April 10, 2026, with the Orion capsule splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, safely returning the four-person crew to Earth. The mission achieved its objectives, including traveling farther from Earth than any humans in history and being the first to see certain parts of the Moon's far side with the naked eye.
Artemis II completes lunar flyby, sets new human distance record, and observes solar eclipse
The Artemis II mission has successfully completed its lunar flyby and is en route back to Earth, setting a new record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth. The crew witnessed an 'unreal' solar eclipse and saw parts of the Moon's far side with the naked eye for the first time. The Orion spacecraft experienced a planned loss of contact for approximately 40 minutes as it passed behind the Moon's far side.
Artemis II surpasses Apollo 13 distance record, proposes lunar crater names
The Artemis II mission has completed its lunar flyby and surpassed the Apollo 13 distance record, reaching approximately 252,760 miles from Earth. The crew also proposed names for two lunar craters, "Integrity" and "Carroll."
Artemis II mission to break human spaceflight distance record during lunar flyby
The Artemis II mission is approaching its lunar flyby on April 6, 2026, with the crew observing lunar features and scouting potential landing zones. The mission is also anticipated to break the record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by a human mission, surpassing Apollo 13.
Artemis II Crew Completes Translunar Injection Burn, Propelling Orion Towards Moon
The Artemis II crew has successfully completed their translunar injection burn, propelling them towards the Moon. The Orion spacecraft, named "Integrity," is performing well, and the mission is expected to set records for the farthest distance from Earth.
Artemis II Astronauts Troubleshoot Orion Toilet, Pilot Glover Tests Manual Control
Artemis II astronauts successfully troubleshooted an issue with the Orion spacecraft's toilet and pilot Victor Glover took manual control to test maneuverability. These operational checks occurred after the mission's April 1st launch.
Artemis II completes maneuvers, Orion deploys arrays, crew reports toilet fault
The Artemis II mission has successfully completed its perigee and apogee raise maneuvers, and the Orion spacecraft's solar arrays have fully deployed. The crew reported a blinking fault light on the toilet during operational checks, and a temporary communications loss was quickly resolved.
Artemis II Launches Four Astronauts on 10-Day Moon Orbit Mission
The Artemis II mission successfully launched on April 1, 2026, with four astronauts embarking on a 10-day journey around the Moon. This marks the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since 1972, despite a brief issue with a safety system. The mission aims to test systems for future lunar landings planned for 2028.
March 2026 — 6 developments
NASA Greenlights Artemis II Mission for April 2026 Launch
NASA has given the Artemis II mission a green light following its flight readiness review, with an 80% chance of favorable weather for its targeted launch on April 1, 2026. The countdown commenced on March 30, 2026, for the ten-day lunar flyby mission carrying four astronauts.
Artemis II Crew Arrives at Kennedy Space Center for Moon Mission Preparations
The Artemis II crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center on March 27, 2026, to finalize preparations for their approximately 10-day journey around the Moon. NASA recently conducted an unannounced test to verify newly replaced seals on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's liquid hydrogen tank. The launch remains targeted for April 1, 2026.
NASA moves Artemis II rocket to launch pad, targets April 1, 2026, launch for crewed mission.
NASA moved the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B on March 20, 2026, targeting an April 1, 2026, launch. The mission's crew has been announced, including NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), and Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist). This mission will be the first crewed flight of the Artemis program and the first human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era.
NASA to hold press conference on March 12, 2026, for Artemis II Flight Readiness Review update
NASA will hold a press conference on March 12, 2026, to provide an update following the Artemis II Flight Readiness Review. The agency is targeting a potential launch in April 2026. This briefing will offer insights into the mission's readiness after previous delays.
NASA repairs Artemis II helium flow issue, resumes preparations for 2026 Moon mission
NASA has successfully repaired a helium flow issue in the Artemis II rocket, resolving a problem that had previously caused delays. Engineers fixed a dislodged seal in the rocket's upper stage, allowing preparations to resume for a potential April 1, 2026, launch. This mission will be the first to send a woman and a Black man to the Moon.
NASA resolves Artemis II helium issue, keeps April 2026 launch target alive
NASA has resolved a helium flow issue in the Artemis II rocket, allowing for a potential early March launch. The Artemis II crew has entered quarantine in preparation for the mission, which aims to send four astronauts around the Moon. While previous reports indicated delays until late 2026 due to solar activity, the repairs keep an April 1, 2026, launch target alive.
February 2026 — 14 developments
NASA overhauls Artemis program, delays crewed lunar landing to 2028
NASA has announced a significant overhaul of its Artemis program, adding a new mission in 2027 and delaying the first crewed lunar landing to 2028, now slated for Artemis IV. The Artemis III mission will now focus on testing systems in low Earth orbit with commercial landers. These changes come as the Artemis II mission faces further delays due to a helium flow issue.
NASA delays Artemis II launch to late 2026 due to helium issue and solar activity
NASA's Artemis II rocket has been rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs due to a helium flow issue, delaying the launch to at least April 2026. A new analysis suggests a further delay until late 2026 might be necessary due to increased solar activity posing radiation risks to astronauts.
NASA announces Artemis program overhaul, adds 2027 mission, revises lunar landing to 2028
NASA has announced a significant overhaul of its Artemis program, introducing an additional mission in 2027 and revising lunar landing timelines with a new target of 2028. This update aims to increase launch frequency and reduce risk, alongside ongoing efforts to address technical issues with the Artemis II mission.
NASA announces Artemis program overhaul, potential Artemis II delay to late 2026
NASA has announced a significant overhaul of its Artemis program, including an accelerated mission cadence and revised lunar landing timelines. Additionally, new analysis suggests the Artemis II mission may face further delays until late 2026 due to increased solar activity posing radiation risks to astronauts.
NASA to host media conference on Artemis II and campaign update February 27, 2026
NASA will host a media conference on February 27, 2026, to discuss the upcoming work for the Artemis II test flight and provide a broader update on the Artemis campaign. Leadership, including NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, will be present. This follows the rollback of the rocket to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs due to a helium flow issue.
NASA rolls back Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to fix helium flow issue
NASA's Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft began rolling back from Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building on February 25, 2026, to diagnose and fix a helium flow issue in the rocket's upper stage. The rollback journey is expected to take up to 12 hours. This issue has caused further delays to the mission, which aims to send four astronauts around the Moon.
NASA rolls back Artemis II moon rocket due to helium issue, delaying launch to April 2026
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket to the Vehicle Assembly Building due to a helium system issue on the rocket's upper stage. This action will delay the launch until no earlier than April 2026. The Artemis II crew was released from quarantine on February 21, 2026.
NASA rolls Artemis II moon rocket back to VAB due to helium issue, delaying launch
NASA is preparing to roll its Artemis II moon rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building due to a helium system issue on the rocket's upper stage. This rollback, scheduled to begin as early as February 24, 2026, will delay the launch until no earlier than April 2026. NASA is targeting early Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for the rollback due to weather concerns.
NASA Delays Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission to April 2026 Due to Helium Flow Issue
NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, is now targeting no earlier than April 2026 for its launch. This delay is due to an issue with the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage, which requires the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to be rolled back into the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. The mission was previously targeting a March 2026 launch window.
NASA targets March 2026 for Artemis II Moon mission after successful rehearsal
NASA is targeting March 6, 2026, as the earliest launch date for the Artemis II mission, sending astronauts around the moon. This announcement follows the successful completion of a second "wet dress rehearsal" on February 19, where the Space Launch System rocket was fueled and taken through a launch countdown. The astronauts are also entering pre-flight medical quarantine.
NASA announces Artemis II crew quarantine in Houston ahead of March 2026 launch
NASA announced that the Artemis II crew would begin quarantine in Houston, a standard practice to ensure their health before the mission. The earliest potential launch date for Artemis II was set for March 6, 2026.
Engineers successfully complete Artemis II wet dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center
The second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission concluded successfully, with engineers confirming they had successfully fueled the Space Launch System rocket and demonstrated the launch countdown at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA Replaces Seals, Filter After Hydrogen Leak and Restricted Flow During Fueling Test
Following the first wet dress rehearsal, NASA technicians replaced two seals to address a hydrogen leak and swapped out a ground support equipment filter after a partial fueling test revealed restricted hydrogen flow.
Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Identifies Leaks, Postpones Launch to March 2026
The first wet dress rehearsal for Artemis II concluded. Issues with a liquid hydrogen leak and a valve associated with the Orion crew module hatch pressurization were identified, leading to a postponement of the launch from early February to March 2026.
January 2026 — 1 developments
NASA announces 10-day Artemis II mission, rocket rollout set for tomorrow
NASA held a Mission Overview news conference, announcing that the Artemis II mission was expected to last ten days. The rocket was scheduled to roll out to the Kennedy Space Center the following day for setup on the launchpad.
January 2024 — 1 developments
NASA adjusts Artemis II and III schedules to prioritize crew safety
NASA announced schedule adjustments for Artemis II and III, targeting September 2025 for Artemis II and September 2026 for Artemis III. These adjustments were made to address challenges in first-time developments and operations, prioritizing crew safety.
November 2022 — 1 developments
NASA's Artemis I mission successfully launches uncrewed test flight of SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft
Artemis I, the uncrewed test flight of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission tested the safety and performance of the Orion spacecraft in deep space, orbiting the Moon.