America – and humanity – is just weeks away from a historic return to the Moon, for the first time in 53 years.
NASA announced that Artemis II, the first manned mission to the Moon since 1972, is scheduled to launch in February 2026 – with a first launch date of February 6.
The mission will not land on the lunar surface but will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
However, US space agency officials noted that the date remains open "until February 14," with several alternative dates being selected.
Artemis II cannot launch on any given day. The timing will depend on precise orbital mechanics, such as the position of the Earth and Moon, rocket performance, and weather conditions near the launch site at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
February 7, 8, 10 and 11 have been selected as potential backup launch dates. If something prevents a February launch, NASA has also selected dates in early March and April.
Artemis II will be the first manned space mission in 53 years to exceed low Earth orbit.
The first lunar landing in the Artemis program is planned for the Artemis III mission, in 2027.
Source: skai.gr
