Science TechnologyTuesday, 31 March 2026·https://testbook.com/current-affairs/31-march-2026-daily-current-affairs
NASA’s Artemis II to be first crewed Moon mission in 53 years with four astronauts and April 2026 launch
NASA’s Artemis II is set for April 1, 2026, as the first crewed Moon mission in over five decades with four astronauts.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On April 1, 2026, NASA scheduled Artemis II from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, as the first crewed Moon mission in more than 53 years using the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft.
Key specifics
- The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is described as a 32-storey launch vehicle.
- The launch window opens at 6:24 PM from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
- The crew has 4 astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
- The mission is planned for 10 days and will test deep-space systems, life support, and communications.
- Artemis I was the uncrewed predecessor mission in 2022.
Exam lens
Space science question, NASA, SLS, Orion, Kennedy Space Center, 2022 Artemis I, 2026 Artemis II — TNPSC may ask mission name, launch site, or firsts achieved by the crew.