NASA Launches Artemis II, 1st Crewed Moon Orbit in 53 Years

NASA launched Artemis II on April 2, marking the first crewed Moon orbit in 53 years.

“Artemis II: NASA's launch to the Moon, crew, and latest mission updates, live”

El Confidencial

The mission carries four astronauts: Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen.

El Confidencial

Artemis II is a test flight that will orbit the Moon but not land.

Weather was favorable, and fueling proceeded without a hitch.

Artemis II is a systems test flight with four astronauts onboard to test and monitor all critical systems.

The crew will conduct several flight maneuvers, including manually steering the Orion capsule.

France 24

NASA targets a moon landing no earlier than Artemis IV in 2028.

The mission serves as a diplomatic partnership with the Canadian Space Agency.

The astronauts will fly over the far side of the Moon, never seen directly by Apollo crews.

“Editor's note: NASA will continuously update this Artemis II mission briefing and events page throughout the pre-launch activities, the launch, and mission operations”

NASA (.gov)

Christina Koch becomes the first woman in history to travel to lunar orbit.

The mission features the first Canadian astronaut to visit the Moon.

It is the first lunar flight to involve a person of color.

The launch attracted global audiences with live broadcasts.

NASA's media accreditation passed, and extensive coverage captured the fueling and liftoff.

RND.de

Social media buzzed with images including an Earth crescent shot from the spacecraft.