NASA has announced plans to potentially launch the Artemis II mission, which aims to conduct a flyby of the Moon, as early as the first week of February 2026. During a press conference on Tuesday, Lakiesha Hawkins, the acting deputy associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, confirmed this timeframe at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
While Hawkins did not specify an exact launch date, she indicated that the launch window could open as soon as February 5. The timing will depend on the progress of critical preparations leading up to the launch. “Once that first launch window opens, there will be launch periods Artemis II can take advantage of each month,” Hawkins explained. These periods could last from four to eight days, contingent upon the Moon’s position in relation to Earth.
Hawkins also mentioned the possibility of an evening launch, which could provide a visually striking backdrop for the mission. The Artemis II mission is part of NASA’s broader goal to return humans to the Moon and eventually pave the way for future exploration of Mars.
As preparations for the mission continue, NASA remains focused on ensuring all systems are ready for a safe and successful launch. The Artemis program represents a significant step in human space exploration, aiming to expand scientific knowledge and inspire future generations.
The Artemis II mission follows the success of the Artemis I mission, which was an uncrewed test flight that laid the groundwork for future crewed missions. NASA’s commitment to advancing space exploration is evident as the agency gears up for this exciting next step in lunar exploration.
