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NASA's Artemis II mission, planned for launch as early as February 6, 2026, will mark the return of astronauts to the moon after over 50 years. The mission will carry four astronauts on a trajectory that will circle the moon without entering orbit.

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule were transported to the launch pad on December 9, 2025, for final preparations and testing. A dress rehearsal is scheduled for early February, after which a specific launch date will be confirmed.

If not launched by February 11, the next window will open in March. Following launch, the Orion spacecraft will orbit Earth before executing a translunar injection burn to travel around the moon, resembling the Apollo 8 mission from 1968. Future plans include landing on the moon with the Artemis III mission, tentatively scheduled for 2028, contingent on SpaceX's development of the lunar lander.