NASA’s Artemis II astronauts arrive in Florida ahead of moon launch

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts arrive in Florida ahead of moon launch

By Meghan Bartels edited by Eric Sullivan

Prior to their historic lunar journey, the four astronauts of the Artemis II mission made a final trip to Florida.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, touched down at the Kennedy Space Center on March 27, a mere five days before their planned April 1 launch. They piloted themselves from Houston, the location of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, in two T-38 training jets and spoke to reporters upon arrival.

This 10-day expedition marks the first time humans will leave Earth’s orbit since the conclusion of the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Depending on their exact course, the Artemis II team might journey farther from Earth than any humans previously have.

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“Hey, let’s go to the moon!” exclaimed Wiseman, the mission commander, kicking off the crew’s comments. “I think the nation and the world has been waiting a long time to do this again.”

“I am fired up,” Hansen added. “We’re all fired up to go do this.”

Artemis II is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39B at 6:24 P.M. EDT on April 1. If the mission is postponed during the initial two-hour window, additional launch opportunities will be available through April 6.

The crew has been under medical quarantine since March 18 to ensure their health for the mission. While they had previously entered isolation for launch dates in February and March that were ultimately delayed, this is their first attempt that has brought them to Florida.

Wiseman remarked that, despite the upcoming launch windows, there is a chance the mission could face further delays. “We are ready for that,” he stated. “A little piece of my brain is always holding on that April 1 is not a guarantee, April 6 is not a guarantee.”

Glover agreed. “It’ll go when the engines light at T-zero; we totally understand that.”

Despite the uncertainties inherent in rocket launches, the team remains concentrated on their goals. Koch expressed her gratitude when an air traffic controller wished them luck during their flight to Florida. “We’re ready to do this and fulfill our mission for all of you,” she affirmed.

Editor’s Note (3/27/26): This is a developing story and may be updated.

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