NASA Prepares for Historic Artemis II Mission to the Moon

Wed Apr 01 2026 14:30:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

NASA commenced fueling its Artemis II moon rocket in Cape Canaveral, aiming for a historic flight that will include the first crewed lunar journey in over 50 years.

NASA has begun the fueling process for its Artemis II moon rocket, preparing for a launch that will bring four astronauts around the moon. This mission, which is set to break records for distance traveled by humans from Earth, aims to set the groundwork for future lunar exploration and potential settlements. The crew includes astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen, marking significant milestones for diversity in space exploration.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has officially begun the fueling of its Artemis II moon rocket, setting the stage for humanity's first lunar mission in over 50 years. The launch is expected to occur this evening, carrying a crew of four astronauts who will embark on a journey around the moon.

Tension filled the air at the Kennedy Space Center as the ground team initiated the flow of hydrogen fuel into the Space Launch System rocket. This step is critical, especially after previous flight delays due to hydrogen leaks during tests earlier this year.

In preparation for the launch, over 700,000 gallons of fuel will be loaded into the 32-story rocket, paving the way for the Artemis II crew to board. Commander Reid Wiseman expressed confidence, stating, It is time to fly, amidst forecasts of favorable weather conditions.

The mission will feature three Americans and one Canadian, who will fly around the moon without orbital stops, aiming to achieve a new record by traveling approximately 4,000 miles beyond the lunar surface before returning to Earth.

This marks a significant milestone in NASA's Artemis program and its plans for further lunar exploration, including a projected moon landing by 2028. Astronauts last set foot on the moon during Apollo 17 in 1972.

Future astronaut Jeremy Hansen, representing the Canadian Space Agency, will be the first non-U.S. citizen to participate in a moon mission. Messages of support pour in, including a commendation from King Charles III, acknowledging the crew as a bridge between nations and generations.

As NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted, The next era of exploration begins with this pivotal mission.