Inside the history of the Artemis II launch
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch, carrying a crewed spacecraft toward lunar orbit as a test before a planned lunar landing.
AI Summary
NASA's Artemis II is scheduled to launch Wednesday, marking a significant step in the agency's effort to return humans to the moon. The mission will carry a crewed spacecraft toward lunar orbit, building on lessons learned from the Apollo program decades earlier. Jack Kiraly of the Planetary Society and Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt discussed the launch's historical importance with CBS News, offering perspectives on how Artemis II fits into NASA's broader lunar exploration strategy. The mission represents a crucial test of NASA's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft before a planned crewed lunar landing. Success would demonstrate the readiness of these systems and advance the timeline for putting astronauts back on the lunar surface.
Source Coverage Map
21 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Government TransparencyMeet the Artemis crew in NASA's first astronaut mission to the moon in more than a half-century - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiigFBVV95cUxOMmtRN0w1TkNJVkotaFhfbVlvclBhTmxOSEtOUktxcmdjcXJNRUZUOUtQQ2VjTU92dVlEajFOaGpqUk1XX1BKUHFhcXNZR0U5VDV4X2k2Mk56M0djMThsVTFNNmJjR25KZ28tNEdJbzRpbFN5ZW1FMlI1YWdIRW90ZktfTXVmWGVsS1E?oc=5" target="_blank">Meet the Artemis crew in NASA's first astronaut mission to the moon in more than a half-century</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Government TransparencyArtemis II astronauts arrive at Florida launch site for first moon trip in 53 years - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikgFBVV95cUxPNDNyUXJTYmVGaE12ZW1xNzc1MFh0c3lycXpMWF81VHg3a0FvNEpmemVYTVlIcXNiaTRxYkhNVmFWN2J5cTJJSFhZY19XUmxka2lEblgtT3hIc1ZCdlJMM1ZzVHFHa3ZTcjI5cmZmTjNURFNtcEtNLXVFdUh4cnlOU3ZlZ0t3LW1PZ21oWV9WSUw5QQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Artemis II astronauts arrive at Florida launch site for first moon trip in 53 years</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
WATCH: Artemis II launch visible from commercial aircraft
Footage from aboard a commercial aircraft shows a unique perspective of the Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
GlobalFirst Thing: Trump launches tirade against Europe for not joining Iran war
<p>Some European countries have blocked Israeli and US planes from moving weapons through their airspace. Plus, a rocket heads to the moon on Wednesday for the first time since 1972</p><p>Good morning.</p><p>Donald Trump has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/31/trump-launches-tirade-against-european-countries-not-joining-iran-war">launched a tirade against European countries</a> that refused to join the Israel-US war against Iran, calling out the UK and France, as transatlantic relations continue their downward spiral and the war wreaks havoc on the global economy.</p><p><strong>What pushback has there been from Europe?</strong> France has blocked Israeli planes from flying weapons through its airspace, while Italy refused last-minute permission for US bombers to land in Sicily. Spain has already <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/30/spain-closes-airspace-to-us-military-over-iran-war-widening-rift-with-us">denied the US use of its bases and airspac...
Astronaut who was evacuated from ISS describes ordeal, looks ahead to Artemis II mission
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, the astronaut who was medically evacuated from the International Space Station, joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more details on the unexpected event and his take on the Artemis II mission to scope the moon.
TechnologyWhite House launches smartphone app
The White House launched a new smart phone application on Friday aimed at providing users with information and updates directly from the Trump administration. The app includes a “news” tab with press releases from the White House, a photo gallery and a social media tab featuring the White House’s presence on a number of platforms. …

Artemis II mission is about to fly humans to the Moon — here’s the science they’ll do - nature.com
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?

After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work

US paves way for private assets to be included in 401(k) retirement plans - Reuters

US votes against UN resolution labeling slavery ‘gravest crime against humanity’

White House AI rollout exposes widening rift







