Summary
NASA plans to send astronauts on a mission around the Moon and back by February 2026 as part of the Artemis programme. This will be the first time since 1972 that a crew will travel beyond low Earth orbit. The mission is a precursor to future plans to land on the Moon and, eventually, on Mars.
Key Facts
- NASA aims to launch the Artemis II mission by February 2026.
- This mission involves a crewed flight around the Moon and back.
- The Artemis II mission will not land on the Moon.
- The goal is to explore the Moon for science and prepare for future Mars missions.
- Artemis II will use NASA's Space Launch System and Orion capsule.
- This mission is a vital test for Artemis III, planned for 2027, which aims for a Moon landing.
- NASA's last trip beyond low Earth orbit with astronauts was in 1972.
