Image: USA Today

Artemis II Launches Moon Orbit Mission, Last NASA-Only Flight Before SpaceX

03 April, 2026.Technology and Science.25 sources

Key Takeaways

Launched from Florida's Kennedy Space Center with four astronauts aboard.
Crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
Ten-day Artemis II mission to orbit the Moon, first crewed lunar flight since 1972.

Historic Launch and TLI Burn

NASA successfully launched Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 in 1972.

“Published by 20 Minutes with AFP on April 2, 2026 at 12:52 a”

20 Minutes

The Orion spacecraft performed a six-minute translunar injection burn to begin the journey to the Moon.

20 Minutes

Canada’s Jeremy Hansen became the first Canadian to fly beyond low Earth orbit.

NASA officials called Artemis II the last mission without substantial private-sector involvement.

NASA-Specific Hardware, Future Commercial Reliance

Artemis II relies completely on hardware developed through traditional government contracts.

NASA will rely on commercial providers for essential components starting with Artemis III.

ABC News

SpaceX won a $2.9 billion contract to provide a modified Starship as the Human Landing System.

Crew Operations and Challenges

Christina Koch ran into trouble with the space toilet seconds after starting it.

“Highlights: Artemis II astronauts reach orbit on historic mission to the moon Four Artemis II mission astronauts launched into space from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center for humanity’s first trip to the moon in more than half a century”