NASA Set for Historic Artemis II Launch, First Crewed Moon Mission Since 1972

NASA is preparing to launch its Artemis II mission this evening, marking humanity’s first crewed journey to the Moon in more than five decades.

The rocket is scheduled to lift off at 23:24 BST (18:24 EDT) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the countdown already underway following several days of final checks.

After weeks of technical setbacks, including fuel leaks, officials say the mission is now on track. Engineers report the rocket is in good condition on the launch pad, while weather forecasts indicate an 80% chance of favourable conditions.

“Everybody’s pretty excited and understands the significance of this launch,” said senior test director Jeff Spaulding.

Artemis II will carry four astronauts — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day journey around the Moon. The crew will travel thousands of miles beyond the lunar surface before looping back to Earth.

The mission is expected to break new ground, with the crew representing several historic firsts, including the first woman, first person of colour, and first non-American to take part in a lunar mission of this kind.

With a total cost of approximately $93 billion (£70 billion), Artemis II is a key step in NASA’s long-term ambition to return humans to the Moon and pave the way for future exploration.

During the flyby, astronauts will witness rare views of the Moon’s far side, with the lunar surface appearing as large as a basketball held at arm’s length at the closest point of approach.

The mission signals a major milestone in space exploration, reigniting efforts to establish a sustained human presence beyond Earth.