It's finally happening. After decades of preparation and years of development, NASA's Space Launch System is rolling toward its moment on April 1, 2026. At 6:24 PM EDT today, four astronauts will strap into the Orion spacecraft for a 10-day journey around the moon—the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The Mission

Artemis 2 won't land on the moon. Instead, it's a flyby mission—a proof-of-concept for the systems that will eventually take crews back to the lunar surface. The spacecraft will carry Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen into a trajectory that loops the moon at an altitude of 4,000-6,000 miles above the surface. They'll fly farther from Earth than any human has traveled in over 50 years.

What's at Stake

This isn't just a victory lap. Artemis 2 is a critical test of deep-space life support systems, radiation protection, and the Orion capsule's ability to safely return from lunar distances. Each astronaut is carrying an AVATAR tissue-on-a-chip twin—a lab-grown tissue sample that will help scientists understand how human DNA reacts to deep space radiation and microgravity.

The crew will also test exercise equipment designed for lunar surface operations and conduct science experiments on radiation shielding that could protect future astronauts during solar storms.

Launch Window

The 2-hour launch window opens at 6:24 PM EDT with an 80% weather forecast go. If today slips, NASA has backup launch dates through April 6, with another opportunity on April 30.

If you're in Florida or southern Georgia, the rocket may be visible from the ground. Otherwise, you can watch live on NASA's channels and major news outlets.

The moon has waited 54 years. In a few hours, humanity's return truly begins.

Source: Space.com - Artemis 2 Live Coverage