NASA’s Artemis II mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday evening, sending four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon—the first crewed lunar flight in more than half a century. The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket blasted off at 6:24 p.m. EDT, its main engines igniting with just over six seconds to go before liftoff.
“Engines, booster, ignition and lift off!” broadcaster Derrol Nail said on NASA’s livestream. “The crew of Artemis II now bound for the moon, humanity’s next great voyage begins.”
What Happened During Ascent?
The booster successfully ignited and the rocket raced off the launch pad, reaching 5,000 miles per hour within minutes. Nine miles in altitude and 78 miles down range, the crew was already on their way. The Space Launch System’s upper stage, together with the Orion capsule, separated from the rest of the rocket, and the astronauts reached orbit nine minutes into the mission.
🚨 BREAKING: Artemis II has launched, taking four astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. pic.twitter.com/vCrW0W9B6z
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 1, 2026
The crew is now traveling at more than 15,000 miles per hour with a good trajectory. Clear skies allowed spectators to see the rocket the entire way up. About 11 minutes into flight, the four astronauts were able to raise their visors and began moving within the capsule to check key systems.
What Did the Astronauts Say Before Liftoff?
Commander Reid Wiseman told NASA mission controllers that the crew can already see their destination. “We have a beautiful moonrise, we’re headed right at it,” he said from orbit.
Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson addressed the crew before liftoff, saying, “On this historic mission, you take with you the heart of the Artemis team, the daring spirit of the American people and our partners across the globe, and the hopes and dreams of a new generation.”
What Personal Items Did the Astronauts Pack?
Each of the four crew members selected personal items to carry on the historic journey.
Victor Glover, the mission pilot, a committed Christian and Sunday school teacher, packed his Bible. Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen brought four moon pendants—he bought them two years ago and gave them to his wife and children to wear; now he has collected them back to travel with him. Commander Reid Wiseman chose a simple notepad and pencil to record his thoughts while looking at the spectacular views of the moon and Earth. Mission specialist Christina Koch packed messages written by her loved ones. “Having something in my hands that my family have held and taken time composing will carry a very special meaning for me when I’m a long way from home,” she said.
What Is the Mission Plan?
The mission’s goal is to put the rocket and spacecraft to the test, as they have never transported passengers before. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has stated, “We’re going to put it through its paces.” We’ll travel into Earth orbit for a little while to make sure Orion is okay, and then we’ll launch them.”
The Orion capsule will fly into a free-return trajectory around the far side of the moon, reaching about 7,500 km from the lunar surface before Earth’s gravity pulls it back for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean in a little over a week. The mission does not want to land on the moon, but it will pave the way for Artemis III, which hopes to put the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface.
What Is the Significance of This Mission?
The last time NASA sent astronauts to the moon was Apollo 17 in 1972. Artemis II represents the most ambitious U.S. space mission in decades and the first crewed lunar flight of the Artemis program. The mission also includes Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, making it the first time a non-American astronaut has traveled to the moon.
FAQs: Artemis II Launch
Q: When did Artemis II launch?
A: The mission lifted off at 6:24 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Q: Who are the astronauts?
A: Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Q: What personal items are they taking?
A: Glover packed a Bible, Hansen brought moon pendants, Wiseman has a notepad and pencil, and Koch has letters from loved ones.
Q: What is the mission plan?
A: A 10-day journey around the moon to test the rocket and spacecraft before future landing missions.
Q: When will they return?
A: Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean is planned for early April.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
