The US space agency NASA launched the ‘Artemis-2’ mission on Thursday, 2 April, 2026. At 4:05 AM, the ‘Space Launch System’ (SLS) Orion spacecraft departed towards the moon carrying 4 astronauts. This launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After ‘Apollo-17’, this is the first time after 1971 that a human will cross Earth’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and reach close to the moon. All four travelers will orbit around the moon in the spacecraft and then return to Earth. This is a 10-day mission. 5 pictures of the mission launch There was a malfunction in the ‘Launch Abort System’ Exactly one hour before take-off, some problems arose in the ‘Launch Abort System’ which posed a threat to the launching. This is the rocket’s ’emergency exit’ that immediately separates the astronauts’ section from the rocket in case of malfunction. However, engineers quickly resolved this problem. Then the countdown clock was stopped at 10 minutes for a safety check. After this, ‘OK’ reports came from engineers responsible for different critical systems of the rocket. Then the crew received the message – “Artemis II, this is the Launch Director speaking, you are ready for flight.” Commander Reid Wiseman replied, “We are going for all of humanity.” Immediately after this, four RS-25 engines and two rocket boosters started and the astronauts departed. Technical Glitch: Signal Interruption Communication Issue: About 51 minutes into the flight, when the satellite handover was taking place, contact with the Orion capsule was lost for a brief period. One-way Contact: NASA Chief Jared Isaacman revealed that the crew could hear Mission Control’s voice, but the crew’s responses were not reaching down. However, this problem has now been resolved and the system is working properly. Test Drive: First Time Manual Control Test Drive: Pilot Victor Glover conducted a ‘test drive’ of the Orion capsule for approximately one hour. This was the first time anyone manually controlled this capsule. Emotional Moment: When the upper part of the rocket was disappearing from view, Glover said, “Oh, look at that – wow!” He thanked Mission Control saying “Great flying with you Houston.” Increasing Distance: After the test ended, Orion fired its engines so that it could move away from the part of the rocket that was falling back towards Earth. Next Stages of the Mission: Now Time to Rest Astronauts’ Break: After the launch, the astronauts have removed their orange suits and put on comfortable clothes. Now they will take a few hours of sleep (nap). Next Mission: After a few hours, they will have to wake up again. The ‘Orion Capsule’ engine will be started again, so that its orbit can be taken higher. Medical Checkup: Every day there will be a medical conference with ground controllers, in which astronauts will share information about their health and any physical discomfort. Objective: NASA wants to test the ‘Life Support System’ The mission’s objective is to test the spacecraft’s ‘Life Support System’. NASA wants to see how safe it is for humans to live in space. The craft will not land on the lunar surface right now, but will pave the way for humans to settle on the moon in the future. 4 Astronauts: For the first time a woman will reach close to the moon The mission includes three from NASA and one astronaut from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). 1. Reid Wiseman: Former US Navy test pilot Wiseman (50) is the mission commander. Wiseman, who spent 6 months on the space station in 2014, is afraid of heights on the ground. After losing his wife in 2020, Wiseman is raising his two daughters alone. 2. Christina Koch: Engineer and physicist Christina Koch (47) is a mission specialist. She holds the record for the longest time spent in space by a woman (328 days). After seeing the ‘Earthrise’ photo taken by Apollo-8 in her childhood, she decided to become an astronaut. 3. Jeremy Hansen: Former Canadian fighter pilot Jeremy Hansen (50) is a mission specialist. If everything goes according to plan, Hansen will become the first non-American to reach the moon through this mission. Hansen has taken along Canada’s famous maple syrup and cookies. 4. Victor Glover: Glover (49), selected as the pilot for the mission, will be the first Black person to reach close to the Moon. Glover has taken along a Bible and his wedding rings. He says that searching for and learning about our place in the universe is the true meaning of being human. Orion spacecraft is like a luxury vehicle compared to Apollo Next Step: Preparation for Landing on the Moon’s Surface After Artemis-II, NASA will work on the ‘Artemis-III’ mission. It will test the docking system. If everything goes well, then in 2028, through Artemis-IV, humans will once again set foot on the moon. Before this, the unmanned Artemis-1 was sent in 2022. Major Difference Between Apollo and Artemis Programs The main objective of the Apollo missions in the 70s was to prove themselves better in the ‘Space Race’ with the Soviet Union. But the Artemis Program is completely preparation for the future. NASA wants to build a permanent base on the moon this time, so that humans can learn to live and work there. This experience will help fulfill the dream of going to Mars in the future. 24/7 Coverage on YouTube and NASA’s Website People around the world can watch this historic moment from home. NASA is live streaming it on its YouTube channel and ‘NASA+’ platform. Live views are also being shared from the Orion spacecraft after it reaches space. Knowledge Part:
