U.S. Navy divers and Artemis II astronauts aboard an inflatable raft are approached by helicopters and lifted away to the recovery ship after egressing NASA’s Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), following splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the U.S. military are helping the Artemis II crew out of their Orion spacecraft.

U.S. Navy divers and Artemis II astronauts aboard an inflatable raft are approached by helicopters and lifted away to the recovery ship after egressing NASA’s Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), following splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the U.S. military are helping the Artemis II crew out of their Orion spacecraft.

Employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida take photos of the official Artemis II mission crew insignia projected on the exterior of the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

Employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida take photos of the official Artemis II mission crew insignia projected on the exterior of the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

The official Artemis II mission crew insignia is projected on the exterior of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

The official Artemis II mission crew insignia is projected on the exterior of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

Employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida take photos of the official Artemis II mission crew insignia projected on the exterior of the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

The official Artemis II mission crew insignia is projected on the exterior of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

The official Artemis II mission crew insignia is projected on the exterior of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

Employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida take photos of the official Artemis II mission crew insignia projected on the exterior of the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

The official Artemis II mission crew insignia is projected on the exterior of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

Employees at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida take photos of the official Artemis II mission crew insignia projected on the exterior of the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building on Friday, April 4, 2025. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

jsc2026e022246 (April 10, 2026) - NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashes down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the U.S. military are coordinating efforts to extract the Artemis II crew from the Orion spacecraft.

art002e009210 (April 6, 2026) - Before going to sleep on flight day 5, the Artemis II crew snapped one more photo of the Moon, as it drew close in the window of the Orion spacecraft. Orion and the four humans aboard entered the lunar sphere of influence at 12:37 a.m. EDT on April 6, at the tail end of the fifth day of their mission. That marked the point at which the Moon's gravity had a stronger pull on the spacecraft than the Earth's. Artemis II's closet approach to the Moon will come on flight day 6, as they swing around the far side before beginning their journey back to Earth. About an hour after entering the lunar sphere of influence, Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch said, "We are now falling to the Moon rather than rising away from Earth. It is an amazing milestone!"

jsc2025e034750 (April 2, 2025) -- Artemis II crew with the Artemis II mission patch. Photo Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

jsc2026e022261 (April 11, 2026) - U.S. Navy divers and Artemis II astronauts aboard an inflatable raft are approached by helicopters and lifted away to the recovery ship after egressing NASA’s Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), following splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the U.S. military are helping the Artemis II crew out of their Orion spacecraft.

jsc2025e034457 (March 18, 2025) -- The official Artemis II mission crew patch. The Artemis II test flight begins when a mighty team launches the first crew of the Artemis generation. This patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars. Credit: NASA

art002e000180 (April 1, 2026) - This black and white image of Earth was captured by the optical navigation sensor on the exterior of the Orion spacecraft on the first day of the Artemis II mission, as the four astronauts inside were traveling farther than any humans have ventured in more than 50 years.

jsc2026e022247 (April 10, 2026) - NASA's Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, along with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), splashes down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10, 2026. The Artemis II test flight launched on Wednesday, April 1, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its 10-day journey around the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the U.S. military are coordinating efforts to extract the Artemis II crew from the Orion spacecraft.

John Honeycutt, Artemis II mission management team chair, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

jsc2025e034746 (April 2, 2025) -- Artemis II crew with the Artemis II mission patch. Photo Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, Flight Operations Directorate, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

From left to right, Rachel Kraft, NASA's Office of Communications; John Honeycutt, Artemis II mission management team chair; Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, Flight Operations Directorate; Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director in Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, participate in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

From left to right, Rachel Kraft, NASA's Office of Communications; John Honeycutt, Artemis II mission management team chair; Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, Flight Operations Directorate; Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director in Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, participate in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

From left to right, Rachel Kraft, NASA's Office of Communications; John Honeycutt, Artemis II mission management team chair; Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, Flight Operations Directorate; Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director in Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida; Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, participate in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

jsc2026e022269 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover (top) and Mission Specialist Christina Koch (center) return home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following their 10-day mission around the Moon. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Stylized poster for NASA's Artemis II mission.

Stylized poster for NASA's Artemis II mission

jsc2026e021201 (April 7, 2026) - Members of the International Space Station Expedition 74 (left) and Artemis II (right) crews are seen at once on the screens inside the International Space Station flight control room in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The two crews connected in a 15-minute ship-to-ship call on April 7, 2026, while the Artemis II crew was on its way back from the Moon.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman greets Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover at the Artemis II crew’s return home to Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The crew flew in to Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and were greeted by friends, family, and colleagues following their return from a 10-day mission around the Moon and back. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

art002e014256 (April 6, 2026) – CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is seen making observations through the Orion spacecraft window early in the Artemis II lunar flyby. Due to last approximately seven hours, the lunar observation period was the duration of time that the crew is close enough to the Moon to make impactful science observations (4,070 miles altitude at closest approach) and the spacecraft was oriented such that the windows are pointed at the Moon. Credit: NASA

art002e014235 (April 6, 2026) – CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is seen taking images through the Orion spacecraft window during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Hansen and his fellow crewmates spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the Orion windows capturing science data to share with their team back on Earth. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface.

art002e016136 (April 6, 2026) – CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is seen taking images through the Orion spacecraft window during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Hansen and his fellow crewmates spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the Orion windows capturing science data to share with their team back on Earth. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface.

art002e016171 (April 6, 2026) – CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen pictured here in the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Hansen and his fellow crewmates spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the Orion windows capturing science data to share with their team back on Earth. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface.

art002e016172 (April 6, 2026) – NASA astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch pictured here in the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Koch and her fellow crewmates spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the Orion windows capturing science data to share with their team back on Earth. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface.

From left, Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director in Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, participate in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

jsc2026e022320 (April 11, 2026) - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman greets Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen at the Artemis II crew’s return home to Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The crew flew in to Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and were greeted by friends, family, and colleagues following their return from a 10-day mission around the Moon and back. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

From left, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, Flight Operations Directorate, participate in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director in Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

jsc2026e021206 (April 7, 2026) - Members of the International Space Station Expedition 74 (left) and Artemis II (right) crews are seen at once on the screens inside the International Space Station flight control room in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The two crews connected in a 15-minute ship-to-ship call on April 7, 2026, while the Artemis II crew was on its way back from the Moon.

Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Rachel Kraft, NASA’s Office of Communications, participates in an Artemis II mission overview news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of rollout of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Artemis II science officer, Trevor Graff, is seen at the Science console in the White Flight Control Room in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Science officers are the senior flight controllers responsible for lunar science and geology objectives during Artemis missions. Credits: NASA/David DeHoyos

Artemis II science officer, Trevor Graff, is seen at the Science console in the White Flight Control Room in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Science officers are the senior flight controllers responsible for lunar science and geology objectives during Artemis missions. Credits: NASA/David DeHoyos

art002e004439 (April 3, 2026) - CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen – in the center of the image – peers out the window of the Orion spacecraft on day 3 of NASA's Artemis II mission. The controls over the commander and pilot seats are illuminated in the foreground, but the cabin is otherwise dark to avoid unnecessary glares on the windows.

art002e013367 (April 7, 2026) – The Artemis II crew – (clockwise from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover – take time out for a group hug inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home. Following a swing around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026, the crew exited the lunar sphere of influence (the point at which the Moon's gravity has a stronger pull on Orion than the Earth's) on April 7, and are headed back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. The crew was selected in April 2023, and have been training together for their mission for the past three years.

art002e013361 (April 7, 2026) – The Artemis II crew – (clockwise from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover – pause for a group photo inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home. Following a swing around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026, the crew exited the lunar sphere of influence (the point at which the Moon's gravity has a stronger pull on Orion than the Earth's) on April 7, and are headed back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.

art002e013356 (April 7, 2026) – The Artemis II crew – (from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Pilot Victor Glover, and Commander Reid Wiseman – pause for a group photo inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home. Following a swing around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026, the crew exited the lunar sphere of influence (the point at which the Moon's gravity has a stronger pull on Orion than the Earth's) on April 7, and are headed back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.

jsc2026e020048 (April 2, 2026) – Flight Dynamics Officer Natasha Peake in Mission Control during Artemis II’s translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026, which not only sent the crew in Orion out of Earth orbit and on a trajectory toward the Moon, but also set them on the course that will ultimately bring them home for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

jsc2026e019217 (April 1, 2026) – Lead Artemis II Flight Director Jeff Radigan in the White Flight Control Room at the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. At the time of this photograph, a little over three hours into the mission, the Artemis II crew was conducting a manual piloting test called the proximity operations demonstration. During the demonstration, mission controllers monitored Orion as the astronauts transitioned the spacecraft to manual mode and piloted its flight path and orientation. This demonstration will provide performance data and operational experience that cannot be readily gained on the ground in preparation for critical rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, and undocking for future Artemis missions. Credit: NASA

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

jsc2026e022274 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover (top) and Mission Specialist Christina Koch (center) return home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following their 10-day mission around the Moon. They launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2026e022272 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2026e022271 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (center) returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2026e022273 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following her 10-day mission around the Moon. She and her three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

art002e009302 (April 6, 2026) – The Artemis II crew – Mission Specialist Christina Koch (top left), Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (bottom left), Commander Reid Wiseman (bottom right), and Pilot Victor Glover (top right) – uses eclipse viewers, identical to what NASA produced for the 2023 annular eclipse and 2024 total solar eclipse, to protect their eyes at key moments during the solar eclipse they experienced during their lunar flyby. This was the first use of eclipse glasses at the Moon to safely view a solar eclipse.

art002e016247 (April 6, 2026) – Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover, on the left, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, on the right, gather images and observations of the lunar surface to share with the world during the lunar flyby on the sixth day of the mission. The crew spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the windows of the Orion spacecraft as they flew around the far side of the Moon. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface. Credit: NASA

art002e016195 (April 6, 2026) – Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover, on the left, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, on the right, gather images and observations of the lunar surface to share with the world during the lunar flyby on the sixth day of the mission. The crew spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the windows of the Orion spacecraft as they flew around the far side of the Moon. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface.

Artemis II science officers, from left, Trevor Graff, Kelsey Young, and Angela Garcia, are seen at the Science console in the White Flight Control Room in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Science officers are the senior flight controllers responsible for lunar science and geology objectives during Artemis missions. Credits: NASA/Robert Markowitz

jsc2026e020490 (April 6, 2026) - Pictured from left to right, Angela Garcia, Dr. Kelsey Young, and Dr. Trevor Graff, the first science officers of the Artemis program in the White Flight Control Room in the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Seen here about ten minutes before Earthset during Artemis II, these science officers are seen monitoring mission data in real-time from the Science console. They support flight controllers by analyzing scientific measurements and system performance. Their work helps ensure mission objectives are achieved safely and efficiently. Credit: NASA

jsc2026e022276 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2026e022275 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2026e022270 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover returns home to Houston, stepping off a plane at Ellington Airport near NASA's Johnson Space Center, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following his 10-day mission around the Moon. He and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen is greeted by NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins and other members of the NASA astronaut corps on his return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Hansen and his three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2026e022281 (April 11, 2026) - Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch is greeted by NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche on her return home to Houston, at Ellington Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a 10-day trip around the Moon and back. Koch and her three fellow crew members launched April 1, 2026, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, April 10, 2026.

jsc2025e056603 --- The Artemis II Lunar Science Team runs a simulation of lunar observation operations in the new Science Evaluation Room (SER) that serves as a backroom to Mission Control.

jsc2026e019242 (April 1, 2026) – Lead Artemis II Flight Director Jeff Radigan in the White Flight Control Room at the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. At the time of this photograph, a little over three hours into the mission, the Artemis II crew began a manual piloting test called the proximity operations demonstration. During the demonstration, mission controllers monitored Orion as the astronauts transitioned the spacecraft to manual mode and piloted its flight path and orientation. This demonstration will provide performance data and operational experience that cannot be readily gained on the ground in preparation for critical rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, and undocking for future Artemis missions. Credit: NASA

jsc2026e022251(April 10, 2026) - Artemis II Flight Control Team pictured at consoles within the White Flight Control Room in the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center for the splashdown and recovery of the Artemis II crew as it landed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7:07 p.m. CDT. NASA’s Artemis II mission took NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. In the foreground, from right to left, are Flight Director Judd Frieling, Flight Director Rick Henfling, CAPCOM (capsule communicator) Jacki Mahaffey, and astronaut Stan Love.

jsc2025e087237 --- Artemis lunar science team members Andrew Needham, sitting, and David Hollibaugh work in the Science Mission Operations Room (SMOR) during a training simulation at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston during a simulation of the Artemis II lunar flyby during which astronauts will document their observations through photographs and audio recordings to inform scientists’ understanding of the Moon. Credit: NASA/James Blair

jsc2024e055767 (July 26, 2024) -- The panel for "The Historic Artemis II Mission" forum at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, featuring NASA experts including Dr. Jon Olansen, Gateway Program Manager (center). The discussion covered the Artemis II mission's significance in lunar exploration and the groundbreaking technologies that will enable future missions to the Moon and beyond. Photo Credit: NASA/Andrew Carlsen

jsc2024e055768 (July 26, 2024) -- The panel for "The Historic Artemis II Mission" forum at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, featuring NASA experts including Dr. Jon Olansen, Gateway Program Manager (center). The discussion covered the Artemis II mission's significance in lunar exploration and the groundbreaking technologies that will enable future missions to the Moon and beyond. Photo Credit: NASA/Andrew Carlsen

Artemis lunar science team member, Alexandra Constantinou, works in the Science Mission Operations Room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where scientists analyzed imagery and audio recordings of lunar observations captured by the Artemis II astronauts during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. Credits: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas

Artemis lunar science team member, Aaron Regberg, works in the Science Mission Operations Room, where scientists analyzed imagery and audio recordings of lunar observations captured by the Artemis II astronauts during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026.

Artemis lunar science team members, work in the Science Mission Operations Room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, analyzing imagery and audio recordings of lunar observations captured by the Artemis II astronauts during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026.

Artemis lunar science team members, from left, Alexandra Constantinou, and David Hollibaugh-Baker, work in the Science Mission Operations Room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. They are analyzing imagery and audio recordings of lunar observations captured by the Artemis II astronauts during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new Orion MER inside the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

jsc2026e020504 (April 6, 2026) - The Artemis II crew – CSA (Canadian Space Agency) Astronaut Jeremy Hansen (far left) and NASA astronauts Christina Koch (center left), Reid Wiseman (center right), and Victor Glover (right) – pauses to wave after a live conversation with President Donald J. Trump following their historic lunar flyby during Flight Day 6. They are pictured on the screens of the White Flight Control room at NASA’s Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credit: NASA

jsc2025e004073 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut and Artemis II mission specialist Jeremy Hansen inside of the Orion spacecraft mockup during Post Insertion and Deorbit Preparation training at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Houston, Texas. The crew practiced getting the Orion spacecraft configured once in orbit, how to make it habitable, and suited up in their entry pressure suits to prepare for their return from the Moon. Credit: NASA/Mark Sowa

jsc2026e020046 (April 2, 2026) – CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and backup Artemis II crew member Jenni Gibbons serves as capsule communicator (capcom) during the mission’s translunar injection burn, which sent the crew in Orion out of Earth orbit and on a trajectory toward the Moon.

Members of NASA leadership, leadership with the agency’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, and contractor Amentum Services, Inc. leadership pose for a group photo underneath a banner displaying the Artemis II mission insignia outside High Bay 3 at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The design designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

Members of NASA leadership, leadership with the agency’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, and contractor Amentum Services, Inc. leadership pose for a group photo underneath a banner displaying the Artemis II mission insignia outside High Bay 3 at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The design designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.

jsc2026e022296 (April 11, 2026) - NASA’s Artemis II mission specialist, Christina Koch, shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Credit: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas

Artemis II science officers, Trevor Graff, background, and Kelsey Young are seen monitoring mission data in real-time from the Science console in the White Flight Control Room in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Science officers are the senior flight controllers responsible for lunar science and geology objectives during Artemis missions. Credits: NASA/Robert Markowitz

jsc2026e019618 (April 2, 2026) – The Artemis II flight control team pictured at the White Flight Control Room in the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center monitors mission operations during the translunar injection (TLI) burn, which sent the crew in Orion out of Earth orbit and on a trajectory toward the Moon. After the mission management team polled “Go” for the operation, NASA’s Orion spacecraft fired its main engine for five minutes and 50 seconds beginning at 7:49 p.m. ET, to successfully complete the TLI burn.

NASA pilot Carrie Worth, center, and Tracy Phelps, left, board the Gulfstream G-III aircraft on Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Manny Rodriguez, crew chief, prepares the aircraft for flight. The G-III will join other NASA aircraft to capture imagery of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield during Artemis II reentry. The mission is part of NASA’s Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project, based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

A Gulfstream G-III takes off Friday, March 27, 2026, from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The G-III will join other NASA aircraft to capture imagery of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield during Artemis II reentry. The mission is part of NASA’s Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project, based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

NASA pilot Tracy Phelps inspects the Gulfstream G-III aircraft on Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The G-III will join other NASA aircraft to capture imagery of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield during Artemis II reentry. The mission is part of NASA’s Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project, based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

A Gulfstream G-III takes off Friday, March 27, 2026, from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The G-III will join other NASA aircraft to capture imagery of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield during Artemis II reentry. The mission is part of NASA’s Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project, based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

Manny Rodriguez, Gulfstream G-III crew chief, completes flight control checks with the pilots on Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The G-III will join other NASA aircraft to capture imagery of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield during Artemis II reentry. The mission is part of NASA’s Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project, based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.