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NASA Successfully Launches Artemis II, First Crewed Lunar Mission in Over 50 Years

Four astronauts will test Orion’s manual piloting and life support systems before a planned 10-day lunar flyby.

  • On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, NASA's Artemis II mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sending four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon.
  • The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket generated 8.8 million pounds of thrust, propelling humanity's first lunar voyage in more than 53 years.
  • NASA estimates the rocket remained visible for about 70 seconds after liftoff, with observers across Florida and southern Georgia having the best viewing opportunity.
  • The crew of three Americans and one Canadian carried a plush toy named Rise bearing the names of more than 5.6 million people who joined the mission vicariously.
  • This mission serves as a vital test flight for the Orion spacecraft's life support systems, laying groundwork for crewed lunar landings near the south pole targeted for 2028.
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NASA sent people to the Moon for the first time in this century. The last human mission to our planet's satellite took place in 1972. Article Artemis 2, first mission with people to the Moon in the twenty-first century. Racheta successfully landed for the first time in Romania TV.

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At 54 years after Apollo 17, America returns to the Moon and brings a piece of Italy. Minister Urso with delegation to Space: "Today Italy flies high and looks to heaven with pride and ambition

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NBC LA broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
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