First crewed Moon mission in 50 years could launch as early as next month

NASA is preparing to send astronauts beyond Earth orbit for the first time since 1972, with the Artemis II mission potentially launching in the first week of February. Due to orbital mechanics requiring the Moon to be correctly positioned, launch windows occur only one week per month. Historic crewThe Artemis II crew comprises NASA commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. No Moon landing yetArtemis II will not land on the Moon. 50 years since ApolloThe last crewed Moon mission was Apollo 17, which landed in December 1972.