NASA is targeting April 1 for the launch of Artemis 2, the first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972, following a series of delays caused by technical issues. The Space Launch System rocket was rolled out to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Centre on March 20 after spending weeks indoors for repairs.
The mission will carry three NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut on a 10-day flight around the Moon. This marks the first human lunar orbit since Apollo 17 and is a key step toward establishing a sustained presence on the lunar surface.
Delays stemmed from a liquid hydrogen leak discovered during pre-flight tests, which scrapped a planned February 8 launch, and a subsequent problem with helium flow used to purge the spacecraft engines. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged the setbacks, comparing them to challenges faced during the Apollo era.
The launch window runs from April 1 to April 6; if missed, the next opportunity opens April 30. Artemis 2 follows the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission in 2022, which tested the Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit.
