Artemis II: Humanity’s Return to Lunar Proximity
NASA is preparing to launch Artemis II, a mission poised to send four astronauts on a groundbreaking journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. Scheduled for launch no earlier than March 6, 2026, Artemis II will pave the way for future lunar landings and, missions to Mars.
A Crewed Lunar Flyby
The 10-day Artemis II mission will serve as a critical test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, demonstrating the capabilities needed for deep space exploration. The crew will consist of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Exploring the Lunar Far Side
A key objective of Artemis II is to provide the crew with an opportunity to observe the “dark side” of the Moon – the hemisphere that always faces away from Earth. Due to the trajectories of previous Apollo missions, astronauts were unable to view the entire lunar surface. During the mission, the Orion capsule will approach the Moon at a distance of 6,400 to 9,600 kilometers, allowing for observations of normally shadowed areas at the poles.
Unraveling Lunar Mysteries
Scientists are particularly interested in understanding the differences between the near and far sides of the Moon. The far side features a thicker crust, higher altitudes, and fewer volcanic traces compared to the near side. This asymmetry remains a significant mystery in lunar evolution.
The South Pole-Aitken Basin
The South Pole–Aitken Basin, located on the far side of the Moon, is another area of intense scientific interest. This vast impact crater, approximately 2,500 kilometers in diameter and over 8 kilometers deep, is believed to be the oldest impact structure in the Solar System. Determining its age could provide valuable insights into the early history of our solar system.
Searching for Water Ice
Future Artemis missions, including Artemis III and IV, plan to land on the south pole of the Moon to investigate the presence of water ice trapped in permanently shadowed craters. The amount and origin of this ice are crucial research topics, potentially offering clues about the origin of water on Earth.
The Moon to Mars
The Artemis program is integral to NASA’s “Moon to Mars” strategy. The technologies and infrastructure developed during lunar missions will serve as a foundation for future crewed missions to Mars. Scientists emphasize that studying the Moon provides a valuable framework for understanding planetary processes and our place in the Solar System.
Recent Developments
As of February 20, 2026, NASA is working towards a March 6th launch date following a successful test fueling of the SLS rocket at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II crew has also entered quarantine in preparation for the launch opportunity.