NASA sent astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century

NASA launched a manned mission to the Moon on April 1, 2026 — the first since the Apollo program, notes xrust. Four astronauts went into space from the United States as part of the Artemis program, opening a new stage in the exploration of the Earth's satellite.

Mission details

The launch took place from the Kennedy Space Center using the super-heavy Space Launch System launch vehicle and the Orion manned spacecraft.

The mission is part of the Artemis program and is designated Artemis II.

There are four astronauts on board:

• commander missions;
• pilot;
• mission specialists (including a representative of the international partnership).

The crew will not land on the surface of the Moon — the main task is to fly around the satellite and return to Earth.

Flight objectives

The main goal of the mission is to test all key systems before future human landings on the Moon.

Main tasks:

• checking life support systems in deep space;
• test of navigation and communications in lunar orbit;
• assessment of the ship’s operation in conditions of increased radiation;
• preparations for a future landing as part of the Artemis III mission.

According to NASA, the ship will reach a distance of more than 370 thousand km from Earth, which will be one of the longest manned flights in history.

Why is this important

The last time humans flew to the Moon was the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Since then, manned missions have been limited to low-Earth orbit.

The return to the lunar program is associated with several factors:

• strategic rivalry in space;
• preparation for flights to Mars;
• exploration of lunar resources (including water ice).

NASA head Bill Nelson previously said:

“This is the beginning of a new era of space exploration and the return of humans beyond Earth orbit.”

International cooperation

The mission is being implemented with the participation of international partners, including the European Space Agency. The European side, in particular, developed the service module of the Orion spacecraft.

This highlights the global nature of the Artemis program, with dozens of countries participating.

Technological features

The mission uses NASA's latest developments:

• the SLS rocket is the most powerful in the agency's history;
• Orion ship with improved radiation protection;
• modern autonomous control systems;
• updated spacesuits for future missions.

Experts say the mission will be a key test before landing humans on the Moon at the end of the decade.

Background

The Apollo program ended in 1972 after six successful lunar landings. In subsequent decades, NASA focused on orbital missions and the construction of the International Space Station.

The Artemis program was launched in the 2010s with the goal of returning humans to the Moon and creating a sustainable infrastructure for further interplanetary missions, including flights to Mars.

By pages https://www.reuters

Xrust NASA sent astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century