The countdown is officially on for one of the most anticipated space events of the decade. NASA is launching Artemis II, a historic crewed mission that will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. This is not a landing mission, but it is a critical step toward returning humans to the lunar surface.
Here’s everything you need to know, from the exact launch time to how to watch it live.
© AFP via Getty ImagesArtemis II Launch Time Confirmed (And Why You May Have Seen 5 PM)
NASA has confirmed that the Artemis II launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026. If you’ve seen “5 p.m.” mentioned elsewhere, that’s simply the same moment displayed in Central Time (5:24 p.m. CDT). The mission timing is consistent across time zones, but displayed differently depending on location.
The launch window lasts about two hours, with additional backup opportunities scheduled through April 6 if needed.
Meet the Artemis II Crew: The Astronauts Going to the Moon
Artemis II features a diverse and highly experienced crew of four astronauts:
© Getty Images- Reid Wiseman (Commander) – Veteran of a 165-day ISS mission
- Victor Glover (Pilot) – Completed 168 days in space and multiple spacewalks
- Christina Koch (Mission Specialist) – Holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman
- Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist) – First Canadian astronaut assigned to a lunar mission
This mission marks several milestones, including the first woman, first person of color, and first Canadian to travel to the Moon.
What Artemis II Is Actually Testing
Unlike Apollo missions, Artemis II is designed as a deep-space systems test flight. The crew will not land on the Moon. Instead, they will:
- Orbit Earth twice for system checks
- Perform manual piloting tests in high Earth orbit
- Travel toward the Moon using a free-return trajectory
- Fly approximately 4,000–6,000 miles above the lunar surface
© AFP via Getty ImagesReturn safely to Earth after about 10 days
The mission is focused on validating critical systems like life support and crew sustainability, emergency procedures, navigation and propulsion, and heat shield performance during reentry.
This is essentially a full rehearsal for future lunar landings.
How to Watch Artemis II Live (Best Streaming Options)
NASA has expanded viewing access significantly, making it easier than ever to watch the launch live.
Primary option (recommended): NASA+ (official streaming platform)
Also available on:
- YouTube (NASA’s official channel)
- Amazon Prime Video (live distribution)
- Social platforms like Facebook, Twitch, and X
NASA has phased out traditional satellite broadcasting, so streaming is now the main way to watch.
Coverage schedule:
- 7:45 a.m. EDT – Tanking operations begin
- 12:50 p.m. EDT – Full launch program starts
- 6:24 p.m. EDT – Launch window opens
What to Expect During Launch (Key Moments)
Once liftoff happens, here’s what unfolds in the first few minutes:
© AFP via Getty Images- T+1 minute: Rocket reaches supersonic speed
- T+2 minutes: Solid rocket boosters separate
- T+8 minutes: Core stage engine cutoff
© AFP via Getty ImagesLater milestones include the translunar injection burn and lunar flyby several days into the mission.
Artemis II is not just another rocket launch. It’s a high-stakes test of humanity’s next chapter beyond Earth. If everything goes as planned, this mission will pave the way for astronauts to walk on the Moon again within the next few years.
For now, all eyes are on 6:24 p.m. EDT.
