SLS News & Analysis

NASA's Artemis II Launches with Four Astronauts for Lunar Mission

NASA launched the Artemis II mission with four astronauts on April 1, 2026. This crewed lunar mission is a pivotal 10-day trip around the moon, marking a significant step towards the first U.S. crewed lunar landing planned for 2028. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, operated by Boeing and Northrop Grumman, successfully lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission advances NASA's multibillion-dollar Artemis program, essential for establishing a long-term presence on the moon amid competition from China's lunar ambitions.