After over 50 years, NASA finally launches a new space mission. On April 1, 2026, Artemis II took flight to the outer skies with four brave astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. These four astronauts boarded the Orion spacecraft for their daring 10 day journey around the moon and back. This mission not only sets new milestones, but with its unique trajectory, it’ll take humankind the furthest we’ve ever been from Earth.
The pathway of the spacecraft is notable due to the figure-eight shape where it’ll perform two initial loops around Earth, enter a high Earth orbit, fly by the far side of the Moon, and finally splash down in the Pacific Ocean. This mission is the first of its kind, with no previous spacecraft taking this route making it the beginning of a new era of space exploration.
“This journey is pretty spectacular,” Milly Richmond, junior at Millard West and space enthusiast, said. “I think we should bring more appreciation for space exploration, since it’s such a fascinating topic and little is known about what is beyond Earth. This mission is especially cool since I think it’s the furthest we’ve been from Earth which is somewhat scary to think about but also super interesting.”
In addition to Artemis II taking humans the furthest we’ve ever been from Earth, this mission also aims to conduct the first crewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket around the Moon.
“This 10-day mission aims to validate critical life-support systems, navigation, and human safety in deep space, paving the way for future lunar landings and eventually Mars.” NASA’s website stated.
Ensuring safety for space travel is essential and a top priority for any of NASA’s new missions, which is a primary reason why the Artemis II Journey is important for future plans of space exploration. But this isn’t the only reason why this mission is important. The Orion Spacecraft will be the first ever to take a woman astronaut the furthest from Earth.
“Seeing more women in male dominated work fields makes me hopeful for future generations,” Richmond said. “I think we need more female representation, and I’m very happy that I get to witness such a talented lady get to go so far in space.”
Christina Koch is notable, not only for Artemis II, but she’s also famous for conducting the longest single spaceflight by a woman of 328 days and participating in the first all female spacewalk. As a mission specialist on Artemis II, she is also recognized as the first woman assigned to a mission to fly around the Moon. Koch has made incredible milestones for the space world and is a great inspiration to young girls everywhere.
On April 10, 2026, Artemis II plunged into the Pacific Ocean after a successful 10 day mission. This journey showcased to the world the incredible intelligence and strength these astronauts have, while deepening our understanding of the vast beyond. It’s thanks to space missions like these where our knowledge of the cosmos will keep expanding.
