NASA Artemis II Launch LIVE: Artemis II astronauts reach orbit on historic mission to moon and back

The four astronauts aboard the Artemis II have reached orbit. They will circle the Earth for about 25 hours before catapulting toward the moon.

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman led the charge into space with “Let’s go to the moon!” accompanied by pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen. It was the most diverse lunar crew ever with the first woman, person of color and non-US citizen riding in NASA’s new Orion capsule.

They’ll hurtle several thousand miles beyond the moon, hang a U-turn and then come straight back. No circling around the moon, no stopping for a moonwalk — just a quick out-and-back lasting less than 10 days. NASA promises more boot prints in the gray lunar dust, but not before a couple practice missions.

Artemis II astronauts reach orbit on historic mission to moon and back

Artemis II astronauts successfully reach orbit, marking humanity’s first lunar mission in over 50 years, aiming for the moon.

Main engine cut off of the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage is complete, and the core stage has successfully separated from the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and the Orion spacecraft. This marks the end of the first major propulsion phase of the Artemis II mission and the transition to upper‑stage operations.

The next major milestone is the deployment of the spacecraft’s SAWs (solar array wings) scheduled to begin approximately 18 minutes after launch. Once extended, the four SAWs will provide continuous electrical power to the spacecraft throughout its journey, supporting life‑support systems, avionics, communications, and onboard operations. Deployment is a critical step in configuring Orion for the remainder of its time in Earth orbit and for the outbound trip to the Moon.

-nasa.gov.in

The spacecraft adapter jettison fairings that enclose the service module and the launch abort system have separated from the Orion spacecraft. With the rocket and spacecraft now flying above the densest layers of Earth’s atmosphere, Orion no longer requires the protective structures that shielded it during the early, high‑dynamic‑pressure portion of launch.

The next major milestone is core stage separation and Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage ignition.

-nasa.gov.in

The SLS (Space Launch System) twin solid rocket boosters have separated. The boosters, each standing 177 feet tall and generating more than 3.6 million pounds of thrust at lift-off, provide most of the rocket’s power during the first two minutes of flight, and separation reduces mass and allows the core stage to continue propelling the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, toward orbit.

With the boosters now clear, the SLS core stage remains the primary source of thrust.

In about one minute, the spacecraft adapter jettison fairings that enclose Orion’s service module and the launch abort system will separate from the spacecraft.

-nasa.gov.in

NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, with the Orion spacecraft atop carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, lifted off from Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Complex 39B in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT to begin its journey to deep space. 

The twin solid rocket boosters ignited first, delivering more than 75% of the thrust needed to lift the 5.75-million-pound rocket off the pad. Their combined power, along with the four RS-25 engines already at full thrust, generated an incredible 8.8 million pounds of force at lift-off. As the rocket rose, the umbilicals – which provided power, fuel, and data connections during prelaunch – disconnected and retracted into protective housings. This ensured the vehicle is free from ground systems and fully autonomous for flight. 

– nasa.gov.in

The Artemis II countdown has entered terminal count, and the ground launch sequencer has taken control, orchestrating a precise series of automated commands to prepare the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft for lift-off at a T-0 time of 6:35 p.m. EDT. 

The ground launch sequencer ensures that all systems – from propulsion to avionics – transition into flight mode. Key actions performed include pressurizing propellant tanks for optimal engine performance, activating flight software and switching control from ground to onboard systems, and performing final health checks across thousands of sensors to confirm readiness. 

-nasa.gov.in

Artemis II Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson conducted one of the most important steps before liftoff: the “go/no-go” poll for the team to proceed with the final 10 minutes of the countdown known as terminal count. 

A unanimous “go” across the board signals that Artemis II is fully prepared to proceed toward launch. This moment represents the culmination of years of planning and hours of meticulous pre-launch work, bringing the mission to the threshold of history. 

-nasa.gov.in

The launch team has made the decision to extend the T-10 minute hold ahead of today’s launch to give engineers time to work through final preparations for liftoff. There is a two-hour window in which Artemis II could launch, and a new liftoff time will be set shortly

– nasa.gov.in

NASA’s Artemis II closeout crew completed its final tasks and departed Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. After hours of meticulous work assisting the astronauts with suit-up, hatch closure, and critical spacecraft checks, the team exited the White Room and left the Orion spacecraft sealed and ready for flight. 

Engineers investigated a sensor on the launch abort system’s attitude control motor controller battery that showed a higher temperature than would be expected. It is believed to be an instrumentation issue and will not affect today’s launch.

The weather continues to cooperate and has now been upgraded to 90% go for launch.

-nasa.gov.in

Engineers have now resolved an issue with the hardware that communicates with the flight termination system that would have prevented the ground from sending a signal to destruct the rocket if it were to veer off course during ascent, to protect public safety. A confidence test was performed to ensure that the hardware is ready to support today’s launch. 

-nasa.gov.in

Although the countdown to today’s Artemis II launch is continuing to progress, the Eastern Range has identified an issue that they are currently working to resolve related to their communication with the flight termination system.

nasa.gov.in

Technicians began installing the crew module hatch service panel on the Orion spacecraft, an important step in final launch preparations. This panel protects key connections and ensures the hatch area is secure for flight. 

As part of current closeout activities, teams are confirming all systems around the hatch are properly sealed and ready for the mission. 

With the hatch area secured, teams will continue final checks and countdown operations at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, bringing us closer to sending astronauts on a historic journey around the Moon. 

– nasa.gov.in

NASA engineers have conducted counterbalance mechanism operations and are now performing hatch seal pressure decay checks inside the White Room at Launch Complex 39B. These steps ensure Orion’s hatch maintains proper pressure integrity and that the counterbalance system functions as designed for launch conditions. 

This system uses calibrated springs and dampers to maintain alignment and prevent sudden movements, which is essential for preserving the hatch’s airtight seal. During this phase, technicians verify the mechanism’s load distribution and confirm that its locking features engage correctly under simulated launch loads. 

-nasa.gov.in

NASA’s Artemis II closeout crew is now completing one of the most critical steps before launch: preparing and closing the crew module hatch to the Orion spacecraft. Inside the White Room at Launch Complex 39B, the closeout crew is working meticulously to inspect seals, secure fasteners, and verify that the hatch is airtight. 

This process ensures Orion is fully pressurized and ready for flight. Once the hatch is closed and locked, the astronauts are officially sealed inside their spacecraft, marking a major milestone on the path to lift-off. 

-nasa.gov.in

NASA’s Artemis II crew members are boarding the agency’s Orion spacecraft to begin communication checks to confirm voice links with mission control and onboard systems. 

Before entering the spacecraft that will be their home on the approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back, all four crewmates signed the inside of the White Room, an area at the end of the crew access arm that provides access to the spacecraft. The term “White Room” dates to NASA’s Gemini program, and to honor this human spaceflight tradition, the room remains white today. 

– nasa.gov.in

With assistance from the closeout crew, the Artemis II crew is carefully donning their helmets and gloves – finalising suit integrity checks before boarding the Orion spacecraft. 

-nasa.gov.in

NASA’s Artemis II crew NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, arrived at Launch Complex 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, where the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with Orion spacecraft atop stands ready for launch. The opening of today’s launch window is slated for just over 4 hours from now, at 6:24 p.m. EDT. 

-nasa.gov.in

NASA’s Artemis II is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program and will carry Wiseman and fellow NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch, as well as CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on an approximately 10-day mission around the Moon and back to Earth. 

Having received goodbyes and well wishes from their families and friends, the crew embarks on the 20-minute journey to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39B and their awaiting spacecraft. 

-nasa.gov.in

NASA’s pad rescue and closeout crew teams have arrived at Launch Complex 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to ensure safety and readiness during the critical fueling operations. These specialized teams play a vital role in protecting personnel and hardware throughout the countdown. 

These teams are essential for mitigating risk and supporting the complex choreography of Artemis II’s prelaunch activities. With both teams in place, Artemis II remains on track for its historic mission to send astronauts around the Moon. 

-nasa.gov.in

Four astronauts strapped into their seats Wednesday (April 2, 2026) as crews made final preparations for a historic lunar odyssey that will see NASA send people around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

The mission dubbed Artemis 2 has been years in the making and faced repeated setbacks and massive cost overruns, but is finally scheduled to take off from Florida as early as 6:24 p.m. (2224 GMT).

– AFP

An Argentine-built microsatellite, the only one from Latin America selected for NASA’s return to the moon, will test experimental navigation systems and measure radiation ‌far beyond Earth’s orbit when it flies on the Artemis II mission.

The shoebox-sized satellite, known as ⁠ATENEA, is one of four international payloads chosen by NASA from proposals submitted by nearly 50 countries to accompany Artemis II, the first ‌crewed lunar mission in more than half a century, which was scheduled to lift off later on ‌Wednesday (April 1). The others are from Germany, Saudi Arabia, and ‌South ⁠Korea.

– Reuters

Shares of aerospace companies jumped on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) as mounting anticipation of a blockbuster IPO from Elon Musk’s SpaceX stirred hopes that the industry could see ‌a renewed wave of investor interest.

The start-up giant has confidentially filed for its listing, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters, setting the stage ⁠for a debut that could catalyse the next growth phase for the space industry.

“It isn’t unusual for the entire sector to rally because some investors will interpret the IPO as very ‌positive for the industry,” said Peter Andersen, founder of Andersen Capital Management.

– Reuters

The bright orange spacesuits are designed to protect them on their journey and feature many improvements from head to toe to the suits worn on the space shuttle. NASA reengineered many elements to improve safety and range of motion for Artemis astronauts, and instead of the small, medium, and large sizes from the shuttle era, they are custom fit for each crew member. 

The outer layer is fire-resistant, and a stronger zipper allows astronauts to quickly put the suit on. Improved thermal management will help keep them cool and dry. A lighter, stronger helmet improves comfort and communication, and the gloves are more durable and touch-screen compatible. Better-fitting boots also provide protection in the case of fire and help an astronaut move more swiftly. —nasa.gov.in

The weather update provides astronauts and mission teams with the latest conditions at NASA Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39B, the surrounding recovery zones, and potential abort sites along Artemis II’s flight path. Accurate weather forecasting is essential for protecting crew and hardware, as even minor changes can impact countdown decisions and flight dynamics. –nasa.gov.in

Teams have confirmed the upper stage is in good shape and are proceeding with the LOX vent and relief test. This step helps verify proper pressure regulation and ensures the system is ready to transition into topping and, later, replenish operations. —nasa.gov.in

This phase follows the completion of liquid oxygen fast fill and topping, ensuring the oxidizer remains at flight-ready levels throughout the final countdown. –nasa.gov.in

NASA teams are in fast fill of liquid oxygen (LOX) into the interim cryogenic propulsion stage as part of the Artemis II launch countdown. 

This phase rapidly loads the oxidizer after chilldown is complete, bringing the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket upper stage closer to full readiness for its role in sending the Orion spacecraft into a high Earth orbit ahead of a proximity operations demonstration test and Orion’s translunar injection burn. 

NASA is set to launch four astronauts as soon as Wednesday evening ‌on a 10-day flight around the moon, marking the most ambitious U.S. space mission in decades and a major step toward returning humans to the lunar surface before China’s first crewed landing.

NASA mission ⁠managers on Monday polled “go” to launch the Artemis II mission’s towering, 322-foot (98 m) Space Launch System rocket topped with the astronauts’ Orion crew capsule as early as 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT) on Wednesday.

It will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida just one pad away from ‌where the last moon-bound astronauts of the U.S. Apollo program lifted off more than half a century ago. 

-Reuters

— nasa.gov.in

After completing the chilldown phase, this step rapidly loads super-cold LH2 into the SLS upper stage tanks, ensuring the upper stage is fueled and ready to perform its fundamental role of raising the Orion spacecraft into a high Earth orbit ahead of a proximity operations demonstration test and Orion’s translunar injection burn. 

Fast fill accelerates the fueling process while maintaining safety, marking another major milestone in the countdown as Artemis II moves closer to liftoff.— nasa.gov.in

The rocket is now more quickly filling with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. When the core stage is completely full, it will contain 196,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and 537,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen.