NASA Plans Artemis II Lunar Orbit Mission with Public Name Inclusion in 2026

NASA's Artemis II mission, planned for launch as early as February 6, 2026, will send four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day journey orbiting the Moon. This crewed lunar flyby will test the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket in real conditions, advancing preparations for Artemis III's planned lunar landing. NASA is also inviting the public to submit names to be carried aboard the mission on an SD card, with registration closing January 21, 2026.