NASA is preparing to open a new chapter in human space exploration, and media from around the globe are being invited to witness the launch of the Artemis II mission, which is the first crewed flight test under the agency’s campaign to return humans to the Moon
The media advisory, issued by NASA Headquarters and Kennedy Space Centre, confirms that accreditation is now open for the historic launch, which is currently targeted for early 2026.
Artemis II is a crucial component of the preparation for subsequent U.S.-crewed lunar surface landings and, ultimately, the first human journey to Mars. Artemis II marks the next step in innovation and exploration, leading the way for deep space travel.
The crew and the mission
Artemis II is scheduled to send four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that will loop around the Moon and return to Earth. The mission’s primary objective is to verify the performance of the systems and hardware required for human deep space exploration before full-scale lunar landings commence.
The crew for this flight includes an international team of experienced space travellers. Representing NASA are astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch. Joining them will be Jeremy Hansen, an astronaut from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Their journey will be critical in certifying the capabilities of the flight hardware that will sustain future deep space missions.
Understanding the hardware
The crew will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will sit at the top of the agency’s powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. The SLS is designed to be the backbone of NASA’s deep space exploration efforts, providing the heavy-lift capability necessary to send crew and cargo far beyond low Earth orbit.
The successful Artemis I uncrewed flight test has set the way for this next step. The image provided by NASA shows the scale of the operation, featuring the Artemis I SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft on the mobile launcher at Kennedy Space Centre with the backdrop of a full Moon, highlighting the destination and the monumental effort required.
Media accreditation details
Due to the high profile of the Artemis II mission, NASA anticipates a strong interest from the press, and space is limited for attendance at the launch site activities. Journalists planning to cover the launch and associated events are required to apply for official media accreditation.
There are different deadlines for domestic and international journalists. International media without U.S. citizenship must submit their applications by Sunday, November 30. U.S. media have a slightly later deadline of Monday, December 8.
Those who receive accreditation will also be cleared to attend pre-launch activities. These events will include the significant milestone of the rollout of the integrated SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad, which is expected to occur several weeks before the launch window opens.
NASA will provide further information regarding specific launch dates and detailed schedules after confirming media credentials. Journalists can submit their requests through the official Kennedy Space Centre media accreditation website.
The journey to Mars begins with the Moon, and Artemis II is the human-crewed test flight that will solidify the technology and procedures for humanity’s return to the lunar vicinity.
