NASA plans March 6 launch to send four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in 50 Years

Roll out for Artemis II crewed mission around the Moon (Image: NASA)

NASA is targeting early March for the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972. Following a successful wet dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center, the crew will travel aboard the Space Launch System and orbit the Moon’s far side before returning to Earth. The mission paves the way for a planned 2028 lunar landing under Artemis III, amid competition from China and private space companies.

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NASA is targeting early March for the launch of Artemis II, a crewed mission that would send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

Artemis II Moon Mission Nears Launch

The agency set March 6 as earliest launch date. In Britain, it would be March 7. The decision follows a successful wet rehearsal. The test took place at Kennedy Space Center. Engineers filled the rocket fully with fuel. They also completed the full countdown sequence.

An earlier attempt ended due hydrogen leak. The problem occurred at the launch pad. Officials said seals and filters were fixed. Lori Glaze spoke during Friday press conference. She said excitement is steadily building. She described feeling called by the Moon. The rehearsal marked the second full practice.

SLS Rocket and Orion Crew Capsule

Four astronauts will fly aboard Artemis II. The crew includes three Americans and one Canadian. Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch represent America. Jeremy Hansen will represent Canada on mission. They will travel aboard Space Launch System rocket. The SLS rocket stands ninety eight metres tall. It previously flew during Artemis I mission.

That earlier flight carried no astronauts onboard. The crew will sit inside Orion capsule. The spacecraft rests at rocket’s very top. Its cabin size matches that of minibus. Astronauts will live and work inside. The mission will last around ten days. They first orbit Earth for systems checks. If systems perform well, they depart lunar orbit. The journey to Moon lasts four days.

They will circle the Moon’s far side. This side remains unseen from Earth. They will fly thousands kilometres above surface. Several hours are planned for observations. After flyby, crew begin journey home. Splashdown will occur in Pacific Ocean.

Artemis III, SpaceX and Lunar Race

If successful, mission clears path forward. Artemis III aims for lunar surface landing. Humans last visited Moon in 1972. That mission was Apollo 17. NASA hopes landing occurs by 2028. Officials admit timetable remains highly ambitious. SpaceX holds contract for lunar lander. The lander will use Starship rocket. Delays have affected Starship development schedule.

NASA requested streamlined plan from SpaceX. Blue Origin is also developing alternatives. The company is owned by Jeff Bezos. Both firms were asked for faster plans. The United States faces international competition. China plans its own landing by 2030. Both nations target lunar south pole. They seek prime sites for future bases. The coming launch marks significant step. It signals renewed effort toward deep space.