Artemis II Blasts Off, Marking America’s Return to Deep Space

The U.S. is headed to the moon for the first time in 54 years.

The Artemis II launch started a 10-day mission for NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

The flight will demonstrate life support systems for the first time with crew and prepare for a longer presence on the Moon ahead of future missions to Mars.

The last time we went to the moon was in 1972.

“Today’s launch marks a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration. Artemis II builds on the vision set by President Donald J. Trump, returning humanity to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and opening the next chapter of lunar exploration beyond Apollo. Aboard Orion are four remarkable explorers preparing for the first crewed flight of this rocket and spacecraft, a true test mission that will carry them farther and faster than any humans in a generation,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. “Artemis II is the start of something bigger than any one mission. It marks our return to the Moon, not just to visit, but to eventually stay on our Moon Base, and lays the foundation for the next giant leaps ahead.”

🇺🇸🚀Artemis II LAUNCHED!

Astronauts are on their way to deep space after nearly five decades.

HISTORIC! pic.twitter.com/BxXnqbdFId
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 1, 2026

Liftoff.

The Artemis II mission launched from @NASAKennedy at 6:35pm ET (2235 UTC), propelling four astronauts on a journey around the Moon.

Artemis II will pave the way for future Moon landings, as well as the next giant leap — astronauts on Mars. pic.twitter.com/ENQA4RTqAc
— NASA (@NASA) April 1, 2026

"WE'RE GOING BACK TO THE FRICKIN' MOON" pic.twitter.com/0R03mJX8tU
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 1, 2026

Under @POTUS America will never give up the Moon again. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Z599T8DAU5
— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) April 1, 2026

I spy a lot of REAL FOOD on the Artemis II crew menu! Godspeed. 🇺🇸🚀 https://t.co/jk3MDKYrKI
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) April 1, 2026

Our Artemis II crew will be going around the Moon, but they'll always find their way back home 🌎

During this complex journey, the four astronauts will travel ~685,000 miles on a trajectory around the Moon and back to Earth.

See their daily agenda: https://t.co/172PVtri2Z pic.twitter.com/zsK5i6pirj
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) March 25, 2026

We're going around the Moon. Come watch with us. Artemis II's four-astronaut crew is lifting off from @NASAKennedy on an approximately 10-day mission that will bring us closer to living on the Moon and Mars. The launch window opens at 6:24pm ET (2224 UTC). https://t.co/X27QJejNDt
— NASA (@NASA) April 1, 2026

Someone just caught Artemis from their flight. Cool view of little piece of history! pic.twitter.com/ngNXdB1tdg
— Aaron Burnett (@aaronburnett) April 1, 2026

I had no idea we were sending humans around the moon. Turned on my TV for some sports and there it was, 4 minutes from liftoff. Unreal. Proud moment. It was badass watching that rocket book it toward the stars. How in the hell did I not know this was happening today?
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 1, 2026

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