Archive · 20 Jan 2026
NASA targets February 6 for Artemis II Moon mission
NASA is planning to send four astronauts on a trip around the Moon on February 6.
This is the first time in 50 years that humans will go to the Moon.
The astronauts will not land on the Moon but will test the spacecraft and systems needed for future missions.
They will travel more than 230,000 miles from Earth and return after 10 days.
This mission is a step towards landing humans on the Moon again and eventually sending people to Mars.
NASA has already moved the spacecraft and rocket to the launch site and is preparing for the mission.
The mission is expected to cost over $93 billion, which has sparked debate about the allocation of such significant funds.
NASA plans to launch the Artemis II mission on February 6, sending four astronauts around the Moon.
The crew includes NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA’s Jeremy Hansen.
The mission will test the Orion spacecraft and deep-space exploration systems over a 10-day period.
Artemis II will not land on the Moon but will travel more than 230,000 miles from Earth.
The mission is a precursor to Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the lunar South Pole in 2027.
- Who
- NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
- What
- Artemis II mission to send four astronauts around the Moon
- When
- February 6
- Where
- Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
- Why
- To test Orion spacecraft and deep-space exploration systems, and prepare for future lunar and Mars missions
Proponents of Artemis Program
Critics of Artemis Program
Mission Cost
Proponents of Artemis Program
Proponents argue that the Artemis program is a necessary investment for advancing human space exploration and technological innovation.
Critics of Artemis Program
Critics contend that the program is too expensive, with estimates suggesting it could cost over $93 billion, and question the allocation of such significant funds.
- Mission Name
- Artemis II
- Launch Date
- February 6
- Launch Site
- Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
- Crew Members
- Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen
- Mission Duration
- 10 days
- Farthest Distance from Earth
- More than 230,000 miles
- Next Mission
- Artemis III (2027)
