NASA Plans Artemis II Crewed Moon Orbit Early 2026 Amid Lunar Competition

NASA is on track to send astronauts to orbit the Moon by early 2026 with the Artemis II mission, which will include three American astronauts and one Canadian and aims to test spacecraft systems without landing. This mission is a crucial step toward Artemis III, planned for 2027, which will mark the first human lunar landing in over 50 years. Artemis II's launch window could open as early as February 2026, possibly advancing from the previously targeted April date, with safety as a top priority. The Artemis program reflects a renewed push by the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump's administration, to accelerate lunar exploration as part of a space race with China, which targets a crewed lunar mission by 2030. NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule are nearly ready, following successful uncrewed tests in the Artemis I mission in 2022. The program also serves as a foundation for future crewed Mars missions, highlighting NASA's long-term ambitions in space exploration.