Faster, NASA Reveals Possible Launch Of Artemis 2 In February 2026

Illustration of astronaut exploration on the Moon on the Artemis mission (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA Artemis 2, part of the astronaut's launch program to the Moon, is targeted to launch in April next year. However, NASA stated that launches could be carried out more quickly.

If there are no obstacles faced by NASA, both in terms of rides and astronauts, launches can be carried out no later than February 5, 2026. This is good news because an accelerated launch schedule can affect the Artemis 3 schedule.

"We both have a seat at the forefront to witness history," said NASA Association Deputy Administrator Laikesha Hawkins, as reported by Space on Wednesday, September 24. "We're back to the moon after more than 50 years."

NASA officials stated that the launch would take place at night if it was held sooner on February 5. It's not clear why the time chosen at night, but the launch window has been revealed.

NASA has a launch window of about five days in February, March, and April. The slowest possible date is April 26. That is, the launch of Artemis 2 will not be carried out in May or even later, unless there are quite serious obstacles.

NASA still has to confirm when they can launch the aircraft along with four selected members who will circle the lunar orbit. For now, NASA is still making preparations to ensure the safety of its four crew.

The Artemis 2 mission is the first manned mission of NASA's Artemis program. The aircraft carrying the astronauts will be launched on the giant rocket of the Space Launch System (SLS).

A number of astronauts selected on this mission are Reid Wiseman as commander and Victor Glover as pilots. Meanwhile, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will become mission specialists.

They will be in space for 10 days using the Orion plane. The astronauts will circle the moon without entering orbit or landing on its surface. They will fly at least 9,260 kilometers above the moon.

According to Jeff Radigan, Director of Main Aviation Artemis 2, the moon will look slightly smaller than that altitude. Although not landing, this mission will be the opening for the real human landing mission on the Moon, namely Artemis 3.