NASA launches Artemis II, sends astronauts on historic Moon mission

• From left, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander; Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot; Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II mission specialist, stop for a group photograph as they visit NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, Monday, March 30, 2026, at Launch Complex 39B of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA has successfully launched Artemis II, sending four astronauts on a historic 10-day mission around the Moon—the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.

The rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at around 6:35 p.m. EDT (6:35 a.m. Philippine time), carrying four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a journey around the Moon. The successful launch signals a transition from testing to human spaceflight under the Artemis program.

The mission will see the crew spend about 10 days in space, conducting system checks and validating Orion’s performance in real conditions. This includes testing life support systems, navigation, and communication capabilities critical for future long-duration missions.

NASA said the flight is designed to “pave the way for future Moon landings”.

Beyond the Moon, Artemis is also part of broader plans to eventually send humans to Mars.

(Video courtesy of NASA)

The successful liftoff comes amid renewed global momentum in space exploration, with both government agencies and private companies accelerating missions beyond Earth orbit.

For viewers in the Philippines and around the world, the launch was streamed live on NASA’s official platforms, drawing significant attention as humanity takes another step back toward the Moon.