NASA is preparing to launch Artemis II, its first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, possibly as early as February 2026. The 10-day mission will send four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft atop the SLS rocket on a flyby (i.e. orbit around the Moon, not landing). Key goals include testing life support, re-entry, and deep space systems, paving the way for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon. 
