Humanity has always looked to the Moon with admiration – as a symbol of the unattainable, the mysterious and the mighty. After decades of silence from the lunar surface, the story continues. Not in a science fiction novel, but in the reality of the 21st century. The Space Race is no longer just a historical memory, but is once again becoming a global project of exploration, innovation and bold dreams.
NASA is preparing for a historic mission again, more than 50 years after the last manned flight around the Moon. But this time, it's more than just an "Apollo repeat" - it's the start of something much bigger: returning humans to deep space, establishing a permanent presence on the Moon, and preparing for a future where Mars is the destination. And what's even more amazing - you can be a part of this mission.
NASA: “We're going to the Moon!”
NASA announced in a post on the X network that it will Artemis II mission, the first human crewed mission in the Artemis program, took off as early as February 2026 – more precisely, launch window opens on February 6thThis will be the first time since 1972 that a human crew has flown around the Moon, and the first mission to test key technologies for future deep space flights.
We're heading to the Moon.
The launch window opens as early as Feb. 6 for our crew @NASAArtemis mission. Throughout the journey, we'll bring you live coverage on NASA+: https://t.co/XjTc1fTzOv pic.twitter.com/bkDAflxC8D
— NASA (@NASA) January 19, 2026
Who is flying to the Moon? And why is it so important?
On board a spaceship Orion, which will be launched into space by the most powerful rocket ever – SLS (Space Launch System), four astronauts will sit:
- Reid Wiseman (commander)
- Victor Glover (pilot)
- Christina Koch (Mission Expert)
- Jeremy Hansen (Canadian astronaut, CSA)
This will be the first the crew on a rocket SLS and the spacecraft Orion, which will later play a key role in flights to Mars. The launch will take place from Complex 39 in Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Their journey will take approximately 10 days – they will spend the first part in orbit around Earth, manually testing the Orion system. Then comes the turning point: translunar ignition, which will take them more than 4,600 kilometers beyond the Moon, in the famous "figure 8" orbit. This will be the furthest a human crew has ever traveled from Earth.
What will they test?
Artemis II is not just a “lunar circumnavigation” – it is a key step in building a lasting human presence in deep space. During the mission, they will perform:
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- Testing Orion in real-world conditions (including manual operation)
- Collecting data on space radiation and crew health
- Deep space communication systems test
They will also carry scientific instruments and experiments that will help understand how long-term exposure to the space environment affects the human body. All with one clear goal: preparation for future missions to Mars.
Landing – and what comes next
After completing its lunar journey, Orion will return to Earth and complete high-speed atmospheric entry – one of the most dangerous parts of the expedition. The craft will land in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, where it will be intercepted by a joint NASA and US Department of Defense team.
This will complete one of the most important phases of the Artemis program, but open new doors: Artemis III, where man will once again set foot on the Moon – this time for a longer period and with the clear intention of building a lunar base.
How you can follow this – and even participate
NASA will broadcast the entire mission live on its new platform NASA+There you will be able to follow the launch, communication with the astronauts, their first impressions and scientific tests.
But that's not all. NASA has also opened up the possibility of sending a your name – in the form of a digital signature on an SD card that will travel in the Orion capsule. Free, fast and completely official. Join the thousands who will leave their “stamp” in space.
If you ever looked up at the sky as a child and imagined being an astronaut, now is your chance to be a part of this big moment. Your name can fly with the Artemis II mission, no matter where you are – with just one click.
Conclusion: a step forward – for all of us
The Artemis II mission is more than just a flight around the Moon – it is a symbol of progress, courage and cooperation. At a time when the stars are no longer just a poetic metaphor but a real destination, it is clear: the future of humanity is being written in space. And this year, we are all invited to it. At least by name.
