Artemis II Set to Orbit the Moon: Crew, Timeline, and How to Watch the Historic Launch

NASA’s Artemis II mission is poised to mark a monumental moment in human spaceflight. Scheduled to launch on April 1, 2026, the four‑person crew will travel beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since the Apollo program, orbit the Moon, and return to Earth without landing. This article breaks down the mission’s key details—from the astronauts aboard to the exact timeline and how you can follow every moment live.

Meet the Crew of Artemis II

Artemis II will carry a diverse and highly experienced team of astronauts who will test critical systems aboard the Orion spacecraft during the lunar fly‑by. Below is a quick snapshot of each crew member:

• Reid Wiseman – Commander. Former NASA chief astronaut and veteran of the International Space Station, Wiseman brings leadership and deep mission‑planning experience.
• Victor Glover – Pilot. A U.S. Navy captain and test pilot, Glover will handle spacecraft operations and navigation.
• Christina Koch – Mission Specialist. With 328 days in space, Koch will become the first woman to orbit the Moon.
• Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist. A Canadian astronaut, Hansen will be the first Canadian to travel around the Moon.

Each member has undergone rigorous training to ensure the success of this historic flight, and their combined expertise will be critical as the Orion spacecraft performs its first deep‑space test.

Mission Timeline and Key Milestones

The Artemis II launch window opens at approximately 6:24 p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 2026. The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the same iconic pad that launched the Apollo missions.

Once in space, the Orion capsule will perform a series of maneuvers that include:

• Trans‑Lunar Injection (TLI) – propelling the spacecraft toward the Moon.
• Lunar Orbit Insertion – entering a controlled orbit around the Moon.
• Scientific and System Tests – evaluating life‑support, communications, and propulsion systems in a deep‑space environment.
• Return Trajectory – executing a burn that sends Orion back toward Earth.
• Re‑entry and Splashdown – safely returning the crew to the Atlantic Ocean.

The entire mission is projected to last roughly ten days, a duration that allows ample time for testing while keeping the crew’s exposure to the harsh space environment within manageable limits.

What to Expect During the 10‑Day Voyage

Although Artemis II will not land on the Moon, the mission will provide invaluable data for future lunar and Martian endeavors. Here’s what the crew will be doing day by day:

1. Day 1–2: Launch and TLI burn. The crew will monitor propulsion and perform initial system checks.
2. Day 3–5: Lunar approach and orbit insertion. Orion will enter a stable orbit, allowing the crew to conduct experiments on radiation, micrometeoroid impacts, and spacecraft systems.
3. Day 6–7: Extended orbital operations. The crew will test extended-duration life‑support and conduct scientific observations of the lunar surface.
4. Day 8: Prepare for return. The crew will perform a de‑orbit burn and begin re‑entry preparations.
5. Day 9–10: Re‑entry, splashdown, and recovery. The capsule will re‑enter Earth’s atmosphere, deploy parachutes, and land in the Atlantic for recovery by the Navy.

Throughout the mission, Orion’s onboard