The US space agency NASA is preparing for its first manned mission to the Moon in decades through the Artemis 2 mission, which will see four astronauts embark on a ten-day journey orbiting the Moon and safely returning to Earth.

Although the official target date is April 2026, recent updates indicate the possibility of advancing the launch to February 5, 2026, if all readiness tests and safety standards are met.

According to NASA, Artemis 2 will be a “free return” mission, meaning it will pass behind the Moon without entering its orbit. The Orion capsule will launch aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the crew consisting of:

• Commander Reid Wiseman
• Pilot Victor Glover
• Mission Specialist Christina Cook
• Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen

The previous Artemis 1 mission experienced early erosion of the heat shield, prompting engineers to adjust the Orion’s re-entry angle instead of redesigning the shield. Communication capabilities were also enhanced, and the timing of the main booster separations was fine-tuned. NASA emphasized that crew safety remains the highest priority, even if an earlier launch is technically possible.

While April 2026 remains the official target, officials clarified that the February window is still possible if technical, atmospheric, and orbital conditions allow. Calculations indicate that an evening launch would be optimal according to the orbital mechanics for that month.

To engage the public, NASA offers the opportunity to send names from around the world on a memory card that will be carried aboard Orion.

The success of Artemis 2 will represent a pivotal step in testing deep space systems and pave the way for the Artemis 3 mission scheduled for mid-2027, aiming to return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in over half a century.