Artemis II Moon Mission
The narrative follows the launch, journey, and return of Artemis II astronauts on a lunar mission near the Moon.
April 2026
Astronauts departed Kennedy Space Center on lunar voyage
Four astronauts launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This marked humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than fifty years.
Source ↗Artemis II mission launch with four astronauts
The Artemis II mission launched. It featured four astronauts embarking on a journey to the Moon and returning to Earth.
Source ↗Artemis II rocket lifts off with four astronauts
The rocket lifted off carrying four astronauts. The mission was designated Artemis II, targeting the Moon and returning to Earth.
Source ↗Artemis II kicks off 10-day lunar mission
The Artemis II crew commenced a 10-day lunar mission. The crew consisted of three Americans and one Canadian citizen.
Source ↗Artemis astronauts depart Earth orbit for Moon
The four Artemis astronauts fired their spacecraft's engine to leave Earth's orbit. This action marks Nasa's first crewed lunar flyby in over fifty years. The Orion capsule engine blasted on Thursday.
Source ↗Artemis II astronauts photographed lunar features on return journey
The NASA Artemis II crew captured images of the Moon's impact craters, cracks, and ridges. They also photographed the Earth rising from behind the Moon and the Orientale impact basin.
Source ↗Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean
The Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. The splashdown occurred at 8:07 p.m. ET.
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