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Artemis II astronauts arrive in Florida to prepare for launch to the moon
Updated on: March 27, 2026 / 5:27 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Artemis II crew arrived at Kennedy Space Center to prepare for their April 1st launch to the moon.
- This mission is the first crewed flight beyond Earth orbit since the final Apollo mission 50 years ago.
- The crew consists of commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
- The launch was previously delayed due to hydrogen leaks and issues with the rocket's upper stage propulsion system.
- The mission includes a 24-hour orbit around Earth to test the Orion capsule's life support and critical systems.
- The Orion capsule will fly within 4,100 miles of the moon, offering a view of the lunar far side.
- Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean is targeted for April 10th.
- Artemis II sets the stage for future missions, including testing rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers and eventual lunar base construction.