Summary
NASA has launched Artemis II, its first crewed moon mission since Apollo, from Florida. The mission involves orbiting the moon and returning to Earth without landing. Four astronauts are on the 10-day mission, with splashdown expected on April 10, 2026.
Key Facts
- NASA launched the Artemis II mission with a crew from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
- The spacecraft will orbit the moon and return to Earth in 10 days.
- Artemis II is the first crewed mission beyond low-Earth orbit in over 50 years.
- The mission does not include landing on the moon but tests systems for future missions.
- Delays occurred due to hydrogen leaks and technical issues with the heat shield.
- The crew includes three NASA astronauts and one Canadian astronaut.
- The mission's closest approach to the moon will occur around April 6.
