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Artemis II Launch:
NASA is targeting an earliest launch date of February 6, 2026, with launch windows extending through April 2026.
Key Details:
- Earliest Window Opens: February 6, 2026 (9:41 p.m.)
- Subsequent Early Opportunities: February 7, 8, 10, 11, 2026.
- Later Windows: March 6-11 and April 1-6, 2026.
About Artemis
Artemis II will be the first flight with crew aboard NASA’s deep space exploration system: the Orion spacecraft, SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center. During the mission, four astronauts will confirm all of the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed with people aboard in the actual environment of deep space, over the course of about a 10-day mission. The Artemis II test flight will pave the way to land the next Americans on the Moon on Artemis III.
Artemis II Mission Details:
Where to Watch:
Even though Kennedy Space Center offers the best seats in the house, you can see a rocket launch anywhere on the Space Coast! Curious about where you can watch a rocket launch? There are many prime viewing locations outside of the complex, such as along the shores of the Indian River Lagoon, Playalinda Beach at the Canaveral National Seashore, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Titusville, the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, and any of the beaches south of Port Canaveral including Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach and all the way down to the Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Check out the map to help you choose your ideal viewing location!
Host or Find a Launch Party!
Watch Party Planning!
NASA invites you and your organization to host a virtual or in-person Artemis II launch and/or splashdown watch party to allow everyone to be part of the excitement. This Artemis II Watch Party Planning Guide will help you plan your public or private* watch party, offering free NASA activities, videos, images, downloadable exhibit and display files, and other multimedia resources that will help you take your party to the next level.
Send Your Name To The Moon!
Launch Your Name Around Moon in 2026 on NASA’s Artemis II Mission
NASA is inviting the public to join the agency’s Artemis II test flight as four astronauts venture around the Moon and back to test systems and hardware needed for deep space exploration. As part of the agency’s “Send Your Name with Artemis II” effort, anyone can claim their spot by signing up before Jan. 21. Participants can download a boarding pass with their name on it as a collectable.
Learning Resources
Form Your Team
Students compete in design challenges while building foundational knowledge on topics and technologies critical to the success of Artemis.
Explore Hands On Activities
K-12 students can engage in the Artemis missions through our people and resources.
Launch Learning with Artemis
Access interactive tools like simulations, open data, and game platforms, to help students build confidence and curiosity in STEM subjects.
Decorate Your Space
Become an Artemis expert with the latest graphics and shareable content for home and the classroom.