Fifty-four years ago, in December 1972, astronauts left the surface of the Moon, leaving behind footprints that still remain untouched. Since then, no human has come so close to our lunar neighbor. The wait has been long, but now, in 2026, NASA is bringing humanity back to lunar space. Artemis 2 is not just another space mission — it marks the dawn of a new era, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible once again.
Four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — have spent three years preparing for a mission that will change their lives and, perhaps, humanity’s vision of space. Their goal: to orbit the Moon aboard Orion, put every system to the test, and return safely, opening the door for future missions to the lunar surface.
The road to a new launch
NASA’s plans to return to the Moon have been postponed more than once. After the successful uncrewed launch of Orion in 2022, engineers encountered unexpected issues: the spacecraft’s heat shield was damaged during atmospheric reentry. This forced the agency to reschedule the crewed mission first for 2024, then 2026. Yet despite every setback, preparations never stopped.
Artemis 2 will be the first crewed launch using the heavy-lift SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. Orion will enter Earth orbit, then perform a maneuver to send it on a free-return trajectory around the Moon. This route guarantees the crew’s safe return, even in case of engine failure — safety is the top priority.
Historic milestones
This mission has already made history, even before liftoff. For the first time, a woman and the first astronaut of African American descent will travel to the Moon. Christina Koch and Victor Glover will become symbols of the changes happening in global space exploration. The Artemis 2 crew may also end up farther from Earth than anyone before them—even farther than the famous Apollo 13 crew.
During the flight, the astronauts will conduct scientific experiments, including biomedical research. They are interested in how deep space affects the human body: levels of radiation, changes in the immune system, and the psychological aspects of long-term isolation from Earth. This data will lay the groundwork for future expeditions to Mars and beyond.
Looking ahead
Artemis 2 is just the beginning of an ambitious program. NASA plans to establish a permanent base on the Moon, using the lunar orbital station Gateway as a staging point. For the lunar landing, the agency selected a lander developed by SpaceX based on the Starship spacecraft. This decision sparked heated debate within the industry, but NASA remains committed to its course.
In the coming years, Artemis 2 will be followed by Artemis 3—a mission that will land humans on the lunar surface for the first time in decades. The technologies honed during these missions will enable humanity to venture even farther—to Mars and beyond. But it all begins with this ten-day journey around the Moon, which is set to reignite global interest in space.
A test for the crew
Each of the four crew members underwent a rigorous selection process and intensive training. Mission commander Reid Wiseman has already visited the ISS and is known for his composure. Victor Glover is an experienced pilot, Christina Koch holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman, and Jeremy Hansen is the first Canadian headed to the Moon. Their training included emergency scenario simulations, working with the latest Orion systems, and studying the specifics of lunar orbit.
Ahead of them lie ten days in the confined space of the spacecraft, endurance tests, and a unique experience impossible to replicate on Earth. They are set for a close encounter with the Moon, seeing it as no one alive today ever has.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that the Artemis program is an international project involving not only the United States, but also Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the American space agency founded in 1958, has played a key role in space exploration, including the legendary Apollo missions. Today, NASA once again stands as a symbol of humanity’s ambition to reach beyond Earth and explore new worlds.
