Artemis II: The First Human Lunar Mission in Over 50 Years
NASA’s monthly skywatching briefing puts the Artemis II crewed flight at the top of the list. The mission will send four astronauts on a three‑day trajectory around the Moon, marking the first time humans have left low‑Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Key Timeline for Artemis II
- Early February 2026 – Launch window opens (target date: February 6)
- Mid‑February 2026 – Trans‑lunar injection and lunar flyby
- Late February 2026 – Return and splashdown
SpaceX Super Heavy: Next‑Gen Booster on the Horizon
Elon Musk announced on X that SpaceX plans to fire its Super Heavy booster next month. Super Heavy is the first stage of the Starship system and, at 3,400 tonnes of thrust, is the most powerful rocket ever built. It has completed 11 test flights with mixed results, and the upcoming launch will be a critical step toward full‑scale Starship missions.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
- NASA releases a detailed animation of the Artemis II flight profile, showing crew activities and lunar flyby dynamics.
- SpaceX’s Super Heavy test flight – watch for launch live streams and post‑flight analysis.
- Skywatching enthusiasts can track the launch windows using NASA’s public calendars and apps.