Artemis II: Historic Mission to the Moon Begins

The Artemis II mission has launched, marking the start of a 10-day journey around the Moon. The launch occurred shortly after 01:30 AM Thursday (Greek time).

Approximately eight minutes after launch, the Space Launch System's engines ceased. The Orion capsule, carrying the four-member crew, is now in space.

The Artemis II team will conduct tests of the Orion capsule's systems, including checks of the water and air systems. They will also adjust the capsule's interior.

The Artemis II mission is historic, as it will bring astronauts closer to the Moon than any human in over 50 years, potentially breaking the distance record of the Apollo program.

The crew consists of: Reid Wiseman (NASA), Victor Glover (NASA), Christina Koch (NASA), and Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency).