The NASA Artemis II crew is entering the most critical phase of its mission as astronauts prepare for the final leg of their journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Mission controllers are closely monitoring spacecraft systems, trajectory adjustments, and life-support conditions as the spacecraft approaches re-entry operations.


NASA Moon Mission: Artemis II Crew Returns After 10 Days of Travel Into Deep Space

The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 mission just notched a major milestone: They're closer to the moon than they are to Earth. Jacki Mahaffey, a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, radioed the news to the quartet around midnight EDT (0400 GMT) on Saturday morning (April 4).

NASA: Artemis II Crew Now Closer to the Moon Than to Earth

NASA's Artemis 2 to launch four astronauts around the Moon on April 1, yes, April Fools' Day. Officials are dead serious, and the countdown is already ticking toward a historic evening liftoff.

Absolutely not a joke! NASA is launching to the Moon on April Fools' Day

NASA's Artemis II launch mission is ready for takeoff. Four astronauts are preparing to script history, becoming the first humans to reach the Moon in nearly 60 years. Crew members include NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman (mission commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist). As excited as they are for the launch, they are also aware that the mission comes with risks. One astronaut has revealed that he has prepared his daughters for any eventuality. Reid Wiseman, commander of Artemis II, is a single father to two daughters. The 50-year-old said that he has walked his teenage daughters, &nbsp;Ellie and Katherine, through everything they would need in the event of his death. "I told them, 'Here's where the will is, here's where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, here's what's going to happen to you,'' Daily Mail quoted Wiseman as saying.<h2>Wiseman is a single dad</h2>While the talk of death might make some people queasy, Wiseman believes it is something everyone should do. He said, it is important for your family to be prepared in case something happens to you. "I actually wish more people in everyday life talked to their families in that way because you never know what the next day is going to bring," he said. Wiseman lost his wife to cancer at the age of 46 in 2020. He raised his daughters by himself, and the thought of leaving them behind alone does not scare the family. Wiseman said his daughters understand the risk of the mission, but they also know the importance of exploration and that humanity needs to push beyond the unknown.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">Artemis II latest updates: Orion design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem</a><h2>NASA’s Artemis II Launch Mission</h2>Artemis II mission will carry astronauts in the Orion capsule sitting atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The rocket previously undertook an unmanned mission four years ago. This is the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 that humans are going to the Moon. The Artemis II mission is a test drive that will check all systems and technologies for Artemis 3 and, later, Artemis 4, when humans finally set foot on the Moon once again.<h2>Artemis II launch windows - What happens if the launch does not happen on April 1?</h2> If, for some reason, the Artemis II launch does not happen on April 1, NASA has come with other dates. Backup launch windows have been set from April 2 to 6 and on April 30, each with a two-hour launch period.&nbsp;

NASA's Artemis II launch: Astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the mission, is a single dad to two girls. His daughters know the risks involved with a mission like Artemis that will go to the Moon, but they support him. He said he has talked to them about the worst-case scenario, his death.

NASA's Artemis II launch mission is ready for takeoff. Four astronauts are preparing to script history, becoming the first humans to reach the Moon in nearly 60 years. Crew members include NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman (mission commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist). As excited as they are for the launch, they are also aware that the mission comes with risks. One astronaut has revealed that he has prepared his daughters for any eventuality. Reid Wiseman, commander of Artemis II, is a single father to two daughters. The 50-year-old said that he has walked his teenage daughters, Ellie and Katherine, through everything they would need in the event of his death. "I told them, 'Here's where the will is, here's where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, here's what's going to happen to you,'' Daily Mail quoted Wiseman as saying. Wiseman is a single dad While the talk of death might make some people queasy, Wiseman believes it is something everyone should do. He said, it is important for your family to be prepared in case something happens to you. "I actually wish more people in everyday life talked to their families in that way because you never know what the next day is going to bring," he said. Wiseman lost his wife to cancer at the age of 46 in 2020. He raised his daughters by himself, and the thought of leaving them behind alone does not scare the family. Wiseman said his daughters understand the risk of the mission, but they also know the importance of exploration and that humanity needs to push beyond the unknown. Also Read: Artemis II latest updates: Orion design, size, inclusions, trip time, and the toilet problem NASA’s Artemis II Launch Mission Artemis II mission will carry astronauts in the Orion capsule sitting atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The rocket previously undertook an unmanned mission four years ago. This is the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 that humans are going to the Moon. The Artemis II mission is a test drive that will check all systems and technologies for Artemis 3 and, later, Artemis 4, when humans finally set foot on the Moon once again. Artemis II launch windows - What happens if the launch does not happen on April 1? If, for some reason, the Artemis II launch does not happen on April 1, NASA has come with other dates. Backup launch windows have been set from April 2 to 6 and on April 30, each with a two-hour launch period.

NASA's Artemis II launch: Astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the mission, is a single dad to two girls. His daughters know the risks involved with a mission like Artemis that will go to the Moon, but they support him. He said he has talked to them about the worst-case scenario, his death.

Artemis II astronaut, a single dad to two girls, reveals what he told them before leaving for the Moon

NASA's historic moon mission, Artemis II, is ready for launch. The launch date is April 1, and the targeted launch time is 6:24 pm with a two-hour margin. The space agency has started the countdown for the April 1 takeoff. Four astronauts will enter the history books when they fly to the moon, the first time humans will be doing so in nearly 60 years. Three American and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and shoot into space for a 10-day mission. The mission will also be different from the Apollo missions because it will take the astronauts to the farthest point in space humans have ever been to. Here is everything you need to know about Artemis II.

NASA recently overhauled the Artemis moon mission. Previously, human landing was supposed to happen in 2027 with the Artemis 3 mission. But now this mission will act as a test flight. The astronauts will carry out several technology tests in Low Earth orbit. The landing will now happen in 2028 with the Artemis 4 mission.

Artemis II launch LIVE: When will humans land on the Moon again?

No. The astronauts are not landing on the moon. The four crewmembers will check all systems in space to prepare for a future landing, which is not scheduled to happen for another two years. But the Artemis II astronauts will still make history since they will be the first ones to go to deep space in over 50 years.

Are Artemis II astronauts landing on the moon?

Reid Wiseman, commander of the mission, is a single father to two teenage girls. He says his daughters understand the risks associated with a mission like Artemis II, but they also know the importance of exploration. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/artemis-ii-astronaut-a-single-dad-to-two-girls-reveals-he-has-told-them-what-to-do-if-he-dies-1775018063808">Read his full story here</a>.

Artemis II astronaut, a single dad, shares what he told his teen daughters

The spacecraft Orion is one single open space. There is a small kitchenette, a gym, six windows that will offer them views of the world outside and later the Moon, and a stowage compartment that can be converted into a radiation shelter in case of emergency.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">Read full story on Orion</a>&nbsp;

Artemis II Live: Orion, home away from home for 10 days

NASA has said that some people might be able to see the Artemis II rocket soaring in the sky from their backyards. According to the space agency, it might be visible from some places in Florida and southern Georgia.

Will Artemis II Live launch be visible from houses in the US?

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman shared a video of the Artemis II rocket SLS and Orion, ready for launch on April 1. He wrote, "Tomorrow, we launch. At sunset tonight, Artemis II waits on the pad, ready to carry astronauts potentially farther than any humans have traveled in more than half a century. The next era of exploration begins."

Artemis II Launch: 'The next era of exploration begins'

NASA has backup dates in case Artemis II is not launched on April 1. <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/artemis-ii-mission-availability.pdf">NASA Artemis II launch window for March</a>

Check out NASA's March launch calendar for Artemis II

The weather on Earth is not the only consideration to have a smooth and safe launch. Our Sun has been very active and unleashed X-class solar flares on Sunday. NASA is keeping one eye on the Sun and hopes it does not release more material as Artemis II takes off. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-latest-updates-why-is-nasa-keeping-close-watch-on-sun-1774874269513">Here is more on the Sun and Artemis II</a>.

Artemis II and the Sun

Artemis II will take humans to the farthest point in space anyone has ever been to. The Orion will travel several kilometres beyond the far side of the Moon, giving the four astronauts a glimpse of never-before-seen features of the Moon. This already means that Artemis II stands out from the Apollo missions.

How is Artemis II special? 

Launch can only happen when an optimal window opens. This depends on the moon's position, and the need to align the spacecraft's trajectory with it. This leaves NASA with only a handful of dates for the Artemis II moon launch.&nbsp;

How are Artemis II launch dates decided?

Orion is the spacecraft carrying Artemis II astronauts to the Moon. It has been built to protect against solar radiation. The high-tech "deep-space minivan" has been named Integrity by its crew. Here is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/orion-for-artemis-ii-design-size-inclusions-trip-time-and-the-toilet-problem-1774851817391">everything you need to know about Orion</a>.&nbsp;

Artemis II spacecraft Orion

In case NASA is forced to cancel the April launch due to some circumstances, the space agency has come up with other dates. Backup launch windows have been set from April 2 to 6 and on April 30, each with a two-hour launch period. However, it has said that April 1 offers the best weather conditions.

Artemis II launch windows - What happens if launch does not take place on April 1?

Preparations for Artemis II are underway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch teams are completing a sequence of highly choreographed steps to ready the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, which will take the crew around the Moon on a 10-day journey.

Teams gearing up for Artemis II launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida

Live views and audio commentary of tanking operations ahead of the launch begin at 7:45 am on April 1 on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NASA">NASA’s YouTube channel</a>. Teams will load propellant into the SLS rocket, which will be shown here. Full coverage for the mission launch will start on <a href="https://plus.nasa.gov/">NASA+</a> at 12:50 pm.&nbsp;

How and where to watch Artemis II launch Live

7:45 am: Live coverage of tanking operations to load propellant into the SLS rocket begins.12:50 pm: NASA+ coverage of launch begins.6:24 pm: Launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at EDT on Wednesday, April 1.

Artemis II launch schedule

Weather conditions will be crucial in deciding whether the Artemis II rocket will be launched on April 1. NASA and weather officers with the US Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 45 are keeping a tab on the weather conditions ahead of tanking operations. The weather forecast for launch day shows an 80% chance of favourable conditions. Cloud coverage and the potential for high winds in the area are the two main things they need to keep an eye on.&nbsp;

Weather conditions ahead of Artemis II launch

The Artemis II crew spent the final countdown phase getting through technical verification and checking readiness. They have been in quarantine for days, and their health is being strictly monitored. Medical checks were carried out to ensure fitness for launch. The astronauts followed a controlled sleep schedule and nutrition plan to ensure optimum energy and hydration for launch. They were also being given regular updates on the rocket’s configuration and weather conditions.

How are Artemis II astronauts preparing for the launch?

Artemis II is taking four astronauts to the Moon, three American and one Canadian. The Artemis crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman,&nbsp;Victor Glover, and&nbsp;Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut&nbsp;Jeremy Hansen. They are currently at the Astronaut Crew Quarters inside NASA Kennedy’s Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building.&nbsp;

Who are Artemis II astronauts?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) said that a cluster of sunspots called active region 4405 produced the X1.4 flare on Sunday. This means solar radiation has slammed Earth. Could the Artemis II launch be affected? <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-latest-april-1-launch-in-jeopardy-following-major-solar-activity-1774937254120">Full story here</a>

Sun unleashes solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection - Could it affect Artemis II?

The countdown to the Artemis II mission has started at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Team members are at their consoles inside the Rocco Petrone Launch Control Center. The launch is scheduled for 6:24 pm ET on Wednesday, April 1. The clock started ticking down at 4:44 pm ET.

NASA’s Artemis II Launch Mission Countdown Begins

NASA’s Artemis II Launch to the Moon Live: The historic moon mission is set for takeoff on April 1. The mission will carry four astronauts to the Moon and to the furthest point in space humanity has ever reached. Follow WION for LIVE updates. 

NASA's historic moon mission, Artemis II, is ready for launch. The launch date is April 1, and the targeted launch time is 6:24 pm with a two-hour margin. The space agency has started the countdown for the April 1 takeoff. Four astronauts will enter the history books when they fly to the moon, the first time humans will be doing so in nearly 60 years. Three American and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and shoot into space for a 10-day mission. The mission will also be different from the Apollo missions because it will take the astronauts to the farthest point in space humans have ever been to. Here is everything you need to know about Artemis II.

NASA’s Artemis II Launch to the Moon Live: The historic moon mission is set for takeoff on April 1. The mission will carry four astronauts to the Moon and to the furthest point in space humanity has ever reached. Follow WION for LIVE updates.&nbsp;

NASA’s Artemis II Launch to the Moon Live: Date, time, launch site and other key questions answered

Scheduled for April 2026, NASA's Artemis II mission will send four astronauts beyond the Moon using the powerful SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and advanced AI to pave the way for a permanent lunar base.



NASA's Artemis 2 Mission: How AI will help humans on their journey to the Moon

NASA is firmly targeting April 1 for its historic Artemis 2 mission, sending four astronauts around the moon. With zero technical hurdles remaining, only weather poses a slight risk to the launch.



'All systems ready': Inside NASA's plan for historic Artemis 2 crewed Moon launch

The spacecraft will be commanded by an experienced astronaut and piloted by a distinguished aviator, alongside two highly skilled mission specialists. 

NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission: Know about launch time, crew, and how to watch it live

One of NASA’s most ambitious moon explorations, the Artemis III mission is set to launch no earlier than September 2026. The date might be tentative, but the American space agency is certainly aiming to land humans on the moon by next year for which&nbsp;preparations are&nbsp;in full swing.

On Tuesday, as part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency is started a&nbsp;week-long field tests at the San Francisco Field near Flagstaff, Arizona. The field is said to have a lunar-like landscape, where NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas are carrying out various tests.

NASA released pictures on Tuesday from the testing field in San Francisco, where astronauts can be seen donning mockup spacesuit systems as they traverse through the desert.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-colourful-phytoplankton-bloom-microscopic-plant-like-organisms-seen-in-celtic-sea-721984">NASA: Colourful Phytoplankton bloom, microscopic plant-like organisms, seen in Celtic Sea</a>

During these field tests, two integrated teams from NASA will work together as they practice end-to-end lunar operations. One team will consist of astronauts, NASA engineers, and field experts in the Arizona desert conducting the simulated moonwalks, while another team of flight controllers and scientists at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will monitor and guide their activities.

The teams will complete a variety of technology demonstrations, hardware checkouts and Artemis science-related operations.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/three-stars-found-circling-milky-ways-halo-study-shows-they-were-formed-13-billion-years-ago-721754">Three stars found circling Milky Way’s halo, study shows they were formed 13 billion years ago</a>

“Field tests play a critical role in helping us test all of the systems, hardware, and technology we’ll need to conduct successful lunar operations during Artemis missions,” said Barbara Janoiko, director for the field test at Johnson.&nbsp;

“Our engineering and science teams have worked together seamlessly to ensure we are prepared every step of the way for when astronauts step foot on the Moon again.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The test consists of four simulated moonwalks that follow operations planned for Artemis III and beyond, as well as six advanced technology runs. During the advanced runs, teams will demonstrate technology that may be used for future Artemis missions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blood-proteins-could-forewarn-cancer-diagnosis-by-over-7-years-suggests-study-721949">Blood proteins could forewarn cancer diagnosis by over 7 years, suggests study</a>On the other hand, the science team at Johnson will develop various science objectives for the field test. Their preparation included generating geologic maps, a list of science questions, and prioritized moonwalk locations for both the primary and backup “landing sites” for the test.

The tests will evaluate gaps and challenges associated with lunar South Pole operations, including data collection and communications between the flight control and science teams in Houston for rapid decision-making protocols.

(With inputs from agencies)

One of NASA’s most ambitious moon explorations, the Artemis III mission is set to launch no earlier than September 2026. The date might be tentative, but the American space agency is certainly aiming to land humans on the moon by next year for which preparations are in full swing.

One of NASA’s most ambitious moon explorations, the Artemis III mission is set to launch no earlier than September 2026. The date might be tentative, but the American space agency is certainly aiming to land humans on the moon by next year for which preparations are in full swing. On Tuesday, as part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency is started a week-long field tests at the San Francisco Field near Flagstaff, Arizona. The field is said to have a lunar-like landscape, where NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas are carrying out various tests. NASA released pictures on Tuesday from the testing field in San Francisco, where astronauts can be seen donning mockup spacesuit systems as they traverse through the desert. Also Read | NASA: Colourful Phytoplankton bloom, microscopic plant-like organisms, seen in Celtic Sea During these field tests, two integrated teams from NASA will work together as they practice end-to-end lunar operations. One team will consist of astronauts, NASA engineers, and field experts in the Arizona desert conducting the simulated moonwalks, while another team of flight controllers and scientists at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will monitor and guide their activities. The teams will complete a variety of technology demonstrations, hardware checkouts and Artemis science-related operations. Also Read | Three stars found circling Milky Way’s halo, study shows they were formed 13 billion years ago “Field tests play a critical role in helping us test all of the systems, hardware, and technology we’ll need to conduct successful lunar operations during Artemis missions,” said Barbara Janoiko, director for the field test at Johnson. “Our engineering and science teams have worked together seamlessly to ensure we are prepared every step of the way for when astronauts step foot on the Moon again.” The test consists of four simulated moonwalks that follow operations planned for Artemis III and beyond, as well as six advanced technology runs. During the advanced runs, teams will demonstrate technology that may be used for future Artemis missions. Also Read | Blood proteins could forewarn cancer diagnosis by over 7 years, suggests studyOn the other hand, the science team at Johnson will develop various science objectives for the field test. Their preparation included generating geologic maps, a list of science questions, and prioritized moonwalk locations for both the primary and backup “landing sites” for the test. The tests will evaluate gaps and challenges associated with lunar South Pole operations, including data collection and communications between the flight control and science teams in Houston for rapid decision-making protocols. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA gears up for Artemis landing; practices mission moonwalk in Arizona desert

NASA will face delays in its line-up for moon missions, as per a new report.

This came after Peregrine Mission One, the US’s first commercial launch to Moon was crippled mid-way due to a technical glitch.

The American space agency is facing hurdles in achieving its lunar goals this year due to technical complications, revealed people familiar with NASA’s plans in a Reuters report.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-a-spectacular-galactic-collision-677984">NASA's Hubble Telescope captures a spectacular galactic collision</a>

Further details on the delays in the moon missions and future plans are expected to be announced by NASA on Tuesday.

NASA has already been tracking progress with its private partner’s part of the Artemis programme to consider changes to the multi-billion dollar mission.

With Artemis, the world will witness the first manned moon mission since the last Apollo mission in 1972.

<h2>Delays in NASA’s moon missions due to issues with private partners</h2>

NASA was in full swing for the launch of the Artemis-II mission, which was expected to launch in late 2024. But as Artemis’ spacecraft, Orion was found to have&nbsp;issues in its crew capsule’s batteries, the launch is expected to be delayed further than 2024.

The batteries of the Orion crew capsule,&nbsp;developed by Lockheed Martin,&nbsp;are in need of a replacement after it didn’t pass the vibration tests, as per the report.

This would have been the first flight with humans aboard after launching the capsule uncrewed atop NASA's Space Launch System in a 2022 inaugural test.

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Artemis-III on the other hand, was planned to be the first mission to land humans on the moon in late 2025. The touchdown for this mission was to be done using the Starship landing system from NASA contractor SpaceX. It is likely that this deadline will also be pushed back further as Elon Musk’s SpaceX is taking longer than expected to reach certain development milestones.&nbsp;

As of now, NASA hasn’t commented anything on the matter. Previously, we saw senior NASA officials denying moving the inaugural Artemis astronaut landing to the fourth mission, as it was thought to provide some more time for practice before making the first such landing in half a century.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-finally-unravelled-the-mystery-of-floating-magic-islands-on-saturns-moon-titan-678095">'Magic islands' on Saturn's moon Titan are nothing but Swiss-cheese-like snow clusters</a>

It is unclear what the new target dates for the initial Artemis mission would be as NASA’s Artemis program heavily depends on private companies.&nbsp;

<h2>Peregrine also abandoned the current mission</h2>

America’s first commercial launch to the Moon, Peregrine Mission One recently faced a technical issue midway after its launch. The snag emerged as a major blow to the hopes of the United States as it wanted to place its first robot on the lunar surface in five decades.&nbsp;

Peregrine Mission One's Lander was built by Astrobotic Technology and selected as a part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). It was launched on January 8 by United Launch Alliance (ULA) aboard Vulcan Centaur.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA will face delays in its line-up for moon missions, as per a new report. This came after Peregrine Mission One, the US’s first commercial launch to Moon was crippled mid-way due to a technical glitch.

NASA will face delays in its line-up for moon missions, as per a new report. This came after Peregrine Mission One, the US’s first commercial launch to Moon was crippled mid-way due to a technical glitch. The American space agency is facing hurdles in achieving its lunar goals this year due to technical complications, revealed people familiar with NASA’s plans in a Reuters report. Also Read | NASA's Hubble Telescope captures a spectacular galactic collision Further details on the delays in the moon missions and future plans are expected to be announced by NASA on Tuesday. NASA has already been tracking progress with its private partner’s part of the Artemis programme to consider changes to the multi-billion dollar mission. With Artemis, the world will witness the first manned moon mission since the last Apollo mission in 1972. Delays in NASA’s moon missions due to issues with private partners NASA was in full swing for the launch of the Artemis-II mission, which was expected to launch in late 2024. But as Artemis’ spacecraft, Orion was found to have issues in its crew capsule’s batteries, the launch is expected to be delayed further than 2024. The batteries of the Orion crew capsule, developed by Lockheed Martin, are in need of a replacement after it didn’t pass the vibration tests, as per the report. This would have been the first flight with humans aboard after launching the capsule uncrewed atop NASA's Space Launch System in a 2022 inaugural test. Also Read | Cosmic alignment: Mercury, Venus and Mars to meet Moon on January 9 morning Artemis-III on the other hand, was planned to be the first mission to land humans on the moon in late 2025. The touchdown for this mission was to be done using the Starship landing system from NASA contractor SpaceX. It is likely that this deadline will also be pushed back further as Elon Musk’s SpaceX is taking longer than expected to reach certain development milestones. As of now, NASA hasn’t commented anything on the matter. Previously, we saw senior NASA officials denying moving the inaugural Artemis astronaut landing to the fourth mission, as it was thought to provide some more time for practice before making the first such landing in half a century. Also Read | 'Magic islands' on Saturn's moon Titan are nothing but Swiss-cheese-like snow clusters It is unclear what the new target dates for the initial Artemis mission would be as NASA’s Artemis program heavily depends on private companies. Peregrine also abandoned the current mission America’s first commercial launch to the Moon, Peregrine Mission One recently faced a technical issue midway after its launch. The snag emerged as a major blow to the hopes of the United States as it wanted to place its first robot on the lunar surface in five decades. Peregrine Mission One's Lander was built by Astrobotic Technology and selected as a part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). It was launched on January 8 by United Launch Alliance (ULA) aboard Vulcan Centaur. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Artemis moon missions to face further delays due to spacecraft issues

In Pics | NASA scientists inspect Artemis 2 booster At Florida's Kennedy Space Center