Nasa launches four astronauts on 1st lunar trip in over 50 years

03-Apr-2026

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More than half a century after humans last journeyed to the Moon, four astronauts lifted off in the early hours of April 2, marking a powerful return to deep space.

NASA's Artemis-II mission marks the first crewed lunar voyage in over 50 years, launching four astronauts—including the first woman, first person of color, and first Canadian—on a return trip around the Moon. 

The Space Launch System (SLS), among the most powerful rockets ever built, lifted off at 4:04 am IST from the iconic launch pad at Kennedy Space Centre, roaring into the sky with the four astronauts secured inside the Orion capsule.

The Orion capsule separated from the rocket nearly eight minutes after liftoff.

After overcoming technical delays, the Orion spacecraft entered Earth orbit for system checks before beginning a multi-day journey to the Moon's far side. Artemis-II tests deep space travel capabilities vital for future missions, breaking historical stereotypes and advancing NASA's goal of sustainable lunar exploration and eventual human missions to Mars.