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NASA's Artemis II Launches Four Astronauts on 10-Day Lunar Flyby

01 April, 2026.Technology and Science.32 sources

Key Takeaways

Launched from Florida aboard the Space Launch System for a 10-day lunar mission.
First crewed mission to the Moon's vicinity since Apollo; 10-day journey around the Moon.
Crew includes Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

Historic Launch

NASA successfully launched Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission since 1972.

“Artemis II crew talks to ABC News from space: Their journey so far and what's ahead From toilet fixes to Earth views, the four astronauts detail the mission so far”

ABC News

The crew consists of three NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut.

ABC News

Less than 24 hours after launch, Orion performed the translunar injection burn.

The mission is a 10-day test flight to orbit the Moon and return safely.

Mission Objectives

Artemis II is strictly a test flight; it will not land on the Moon.

The mission tests Orion's life support, navigation, and communication systems.

Al Jazeera

The spacecraft's European Service Module provides propulsion and power.

The crew experienced awe at viewing Earth from space.

Trajectory and Duration

The mission duration is approximately 10 days.

Orion will fly by the Moon at about 4,000 miles distance.

The crew will splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.

The crew never spends more than 90 minutes in eclipse.

International Collaboration

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen flew as part of the crew.

The European Space Agency contributes the Service Module.

CNN

The Cité de l'espace outlined the stringent timeline.

Public Engagement

Public engagement is high for Artemis II.

“• Artemis II heads to the moon: Four astronauts on the Artemis II mission are on their way to journey around the moon after successfully conducting the translunar injection burn, or TLI”