NASA Sets March 6 for Next Crewed Lunar Mission Launch

• February 21, 2026

NASA Sets March 6 for Next Crewed Lunar Mission Launch

NASA has officially scheduled the upcoming crewed mission to the Moon for March 6, marking a significant step in its Artemis program aimed at returning humans to lunar orbit. This mission, known as Artemis II, will be the first crewed journey slated since the agency’s renewed lunar ambitions.

On February 20, the Artemis II crew began a quarantine protocol in Houston as part of final preparations and to minimize health risks before the launch. This precaution is standard practice in human spaceflight missions to ensure astronauts remain virus-free and fully mission-ready.

The Artemis II team includes three NASA astronauts: commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch. Joining them is Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, highlighting international cooperation in lunar exploration efforts. The diverse crew presence reflects growing collaboration between U.S. and Canadian space agencies.

This mission follows Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight that successfully validated NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft capabilities. Artemis II will serve as a critical stepping stone before NASA aims for a crewed lunar landing targeted by future Artemis missions.

Though specific mission details such as exact flight duration and orbital parameters have not been publicly detailed, Artemis II will orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth, testing life-support and human systems in deep space. The mission’s successful execution is key to informing subsequent Artemis missions involving lunar surface operations.

The quarantine began at approximately 5 p.m. Central Time on February 20 in Houston, highlighting the careful logistical planning underpinning crew readiness. This approach aims to maintain astronaut health and mission integrity ahead of complex spaceflight operations scheduled just weeks away.

As NASA advances its lunar exploration timeline, Artemis II represents a major milestone toward sustainable human presence on and around the Moon. The mission’s crew, supported by cutting-edge technology and international partnership, underscores the agency’s long-term vision for space exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

NASA prepares for Artemis II crewed lunar flight scheduled for March 6, with astronauts entering quarantine in Houston ahead of launch.