Tipsheet

Artemis II Blasts Off, Marking America’s Return to Deep Space

Scott McClallen
Scott McClallen  |  April 01, 2026 8:15 PM

The U.S. is headed to the moon for the first time in 54 years.

The Artemis II launch started a 10-day mission for NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen. 

The flight will demonstrate life support systems for the first time with crew and prepare for a longer presence on the Moon ahead of future missions to Mars.

The last time we went to the moon was in 1972. 

“Today’s launch marks a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration. Artemis II builds on the vision set by President Donald J. Trump, returning humanity to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and opening the next chapter of lunar exploration beyond Apollo. Aboard Orion are four remarkable explorers preparing for the first crewed flight of this rocket and spacecraft, a true test mission that will carry them farther and faster than any humans in a generation,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. “Artemis II is the start of something bigger than any one mission. It marks our return to the Moon, not just to visit, but to eventually stay on our Moon Base, and lays the foundation for the next giant leaps ahead.”