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Artemis II Mission Launches Orion Spacecraft on Historic Lunar Journey

KVIA•Friday, April 3, 2026 at 8:52 PM•CNN Newsource

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The Artemis II mission marked a significant milestone as the Orion spacecraft ignited its engine, propelling four astronauts towards the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. This journey, which began on Wednesday at 6:35 PM Miami time, includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, making history with diverse representation in space exploration. Orion is now on a free-return trajectory, meaning it will orbit the Moon and return to Earth without additional engine burns. The crew will conduct scientific experiments and share updates with the public through daily transmissions. Key moments to watch include the spacecraft's approach to the Moon and its record-breaking distance from Earth, expected to surpass Apollo 13's record by 5,400 kilometers.

Key Details: • Launch occurred on Wednesday at 6:35 PM Miami time. • Crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. • Orion will reach approximately 405,000 kilometers from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13's record. • Public updates will be shared daily via NASA's communications. • Expect a communication blackout as Orion approaches the Moon's far side.

nasa artemis moon space-exploration orion

People & Organizations

NASAReid WisemanVictor GloverChristina KochJeremy HansenAgencia Espacial Canadiense

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