Exclusive: Sneak Peek at the Astronauts Headed for the Moon in 2026

The Artemis II crew consists of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, selected by NASA for the lunar mission.

Historic Mission Launch

NASA's Artemis II mission is the agency's first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years. Launched on April 1, 2026, at 6:35 p.m. ET, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft completed a close flyby of the lunar surface, marking a significant milestone.

Astronaut Profiles

Reid Wiseman: A veteran NASA astronaut and the mission commander, Wiseman brings experience from his time aboard the International Space Station in 2014. He leads the crew on the 10-day mission, guiding operations beyond low Earth orbit.

Victor Glover: Serving as the pilot, Glover is a decorated test pilot and the first Black astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station for an extended mission. He will play a crucial role in operating the Orion spacecraft on this deep space journey.

Christina Koch: Mission specialist Koch holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman and is known for participating in the first all-female spacewalk. She will support spacecraft systems and experiments and is set to be the first woman to fly around the Moon.

Jeremy Hansen: A Canadian astronaut and former fighter pilot, Hansen is a mission specialist on Artemis II, marking his first space trip. He will become one of the first non-Americans to travel beyond low Earth orbit and around the Moon, showcasing international collaboration.