NASA's Artemis II mission is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday evening, with a two-hour launch window beginning at 6:24pm EDT. The planned lunar fly-around by four astronauts would be the first moon trip in 53 years.

NASA's Artemis II two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 pm ET Wednesday, April 1, 2026. See best places on Florida's Treasure Coast to watch liftoff.

NASA didn't pack any tree seeds this time, but the Canadian Space Agency did, continuing the tradition. As a member of the Artemis II crew, Canadian astronaut Hansen is the first non-American on a deep space flight. Other seeds, including a packet of zinnias and chili peppers, are also on board.

Artemis 2 is set to surpass Apollo 13’s distance record, testing Orion’s deep-space capabilities as NASA prepares for future crewed Moon missions.

NASA's Artemis II mission completes a critical engine burn, propelling the Orion spacecraft and its four-person crew out of Earth orbit toward the moon.

NASA executed several engine firings on Thursday. The apogee raise burn sent Orion into high-Earth orbit, where the backdrop offered a striking view of the planet.

NASA's Artemis II astronauts are among the first government spacefarers to bring personal smartphones to space. Here's how they'll be used.