NASA Returns to the Moon: Artemis II Blasts Off on Historic Crewed Test Flight

NASA’s Artemis II mission blasts off from Florida, carrying four astronauts on a record-breaking 10-day journey around the moon, signaling a new era of lunar exploration.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 4:39 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

The Launch: SLS and Orion Validation

The 32-story Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, currently the most powerful in the world, performed flawlessly during its sunset liftoff.

Contractor Validation: The successful ascent provides high-stakes validation for primary contractors Boeing and Northrop Grumman, proving the launch system’s reliability for human transport.

Early Maneuvers: Hours after liftoff, the Lockheed Martin-built Orion capsule separated from the upper stage. The crew immediately began manual steering tests to ensure they could navigate the craft if automated systems failed.

Mission Cost: Despite its success, the SLS program remains under scrutiny for its high operating costs, estimated between $2 billion and $4 billion per launch.

A Record-Breaking Journey