Humans last set foot on the Moon during NASA’s Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Now, NASA aims to return to the lunar surface with the Artemis program, named after Apollo’s twin sister in Greek mythology. This mission faces challenges, including delays, development issues, and budget overruns. However, its ambitions are clear: establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and send the first woman there. In 2022, Artemis I achieved a successful uncrewed mission, and on April 2, 2026, Artemis II launched from Kennedy Space Center, carrying four astronauts aboard the Orion capsule for a lunar journey. They’ll evaluate equipment in preparation for the Artemis IV mission set for 2028, which could see humans stand on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
NASA’s Artemis II mission to fly around the far side of the Moon
1 Min Read