Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Artemis 2 to carry historic flag and artifacts to space
NASA is sending a crewed mission to the Moon called Artemis 2.
This mission is special because it's the first time in over 50 years that astronauts will go to the Moon.
The astronauts will take some very old and important things with them, like a piece of fabric from the first airplane ever flown by the Wright brothers and a small American flag that has been to space before.
The flag has been on three different space missions.
NASA wants to celebrate their past achievements and look forward to the future with this mission.
The mission will launch on February 6, 2024, and will carry four astronauts on the Orion spacecraft.
NASA's Artemis 2 mission will send four astronauts to the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.
The mission will carry historic artifacts, including a piece of fabric from the Wright brothers' first powered flight and an American flag that has been on previous space missions.
The flag has been on STS-1, the first shuttle mission, STS-135, the last shuttle mission, and SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the mission will celebrate past achievements and look forward to future space exploration.
The Artemis 2 mission is scheduled to launch on February 6, 2024, aboard the Orion spacecraft.
- Who
- NASA and the Artemis 2 crew
- What
- Sending a crewed mission to the Moon with historic artifacts
- When
- February 6, 2024
- Where
- Space, specifically around the Moon
- Why
- To celebrate NASA's achievements and carry history forward into the next chapter of space exploration
- Mission Name
- Artemis 2
- Launch Date
- February 6, 2024
- Artifacts Carried
- Wright Flyer fabric, American flag, and other historical items
- Spacecraft
- Orion
- Astronauts
- Four astronauts
- Previous Flag Missions
- STS-1, STS-135, SpaceX's Crew Dragon