Artemis 2: Astronauts Prepare for Historic Lunar Mission | News & Updates

March 28, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – The four astronauts selected for NASA’s Artemis II mission have entered quarantine as the agency targets an April 1st launch for the first crewed mission to lunar orbit in over 50 years. The crew – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen – began the isolation period on March 25th, according to NASA officials.

The ten-day mission will see the Orion spacecraft, launched by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carry the crew on a trajectory that takes them approximately 4,700 miles beyond the Moon. Artemis II is designed to test critical systems with a crew onboard, paving the way for future lunar landings under the Artemis program. This mission builds upon the success of the uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022.

The crew’s arrival at the launch site and subsequent quarantine mark a significant step in preparations. According to NASA, the quarantine is a standard procedure to minimize the risk of illness that could jeopardize the mission. The SLS rocket was recently rolled back to the launch pad, and the agency is working through final checks and preparations.

This mission holds several firsts: Victor Glover will become the first person of color to travel beyond low Earth orbit, Christina Koch will be the first woman to do so, and Jeremy Hansen will be the first non-U.S. Citizen to venture into lunar orbit. The Artemis II crew recently shared a Moon mascot, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the mission.

Life aboard the Orion spacecraft is meticulously planned. The crew will experience a unique environment, including a fixed menu, dedicated exercise routines, and bathroom facilities designed for the constraints of space travel. The spacecraft is designed to sustain the crew throughout the mission and ensure their safe return to Earth, with splashdown planned in the Pacific Ocean around April 10th.

The Artemis II mission represents a key step in NASA’s long-term goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and eventually sending crewed missions to Mars. NASA Ames experts are available for interviews regarding the flight test, and the agency continues to release updates on the mission’s progress. The launch window in April remains the current target, though potential delays due to previous issues with hydrogen fuel leaks and helium flow on the SLS rocket remain a possibility.