CA, US & World
Artemis II Astronauts Prepare for Historic Moon Mission as Launch Nears
Astronauts are making final preparations for a historic return to deep space, as NASA’s Artemis II mission moves closer to launch.
Live pictures from Kennedy Space Center show crews in quarantine as they count down to liftoff, which could happen as early as Wednesday.
The mission marks the first time humans will travel toward the moon since 1972, signaling a new era of space exploration.
The four-person crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
Astronauts spoke to reporters ahead of the launch, highlighting the global significance of the mission and the international partnerships behind it. Hansen emphasized that the journey represents not just one country, but a shared effort among nations contributing to space exploration.
The mission also marks a historic milestone, with Victor Glover set to become the first person of color to travel into deep space.
Artemis II will send the crew on a journey around the moon and back, serving as a critical step toward future missions that aim to land astronauts on the lunar surface and eventually travel to Mars.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
March 30, 2026


