NASA Schedules Artemis 2 Moon Launch for April 1st: Exact Time Revealed

NASA is targeting early April for the Artemis 2 crewed lunar flyby. The agency has set a nominal liftoff for April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT, launching from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launch timing and windows

The exact time revealed for the planned launch is 6:24 p.m. EDT. NASA has provided a two-hour daily launch window for April 1 through April 6.

If needed, an additional opportunity exists on April 30. Launch times shift slightly each day based on orbital mechanics and lighting.

How to watch

NASA will stream launch broadcasts across multiple platforms. Viewers can watch on the agency’s website, NASA+, and YouTube.

Major streaming partners include commercial platforms that will simulcast live coverage. Filmogaz.com will publish live updates and summaries.

Day-of broadcast schedule

• 7:45 a.m. EDT — fueling coverage begins with NASA commentary.
• 12:50 p.m. EDT — full countdown coverage continues until liftoff.
• About 2.5 hours after liftoff — post-launch press conference occurs.

Mission profile

Artemis 2 is a roughly 10-day crewed test flight. The mission will send four astronauts on a free-return trajectory around the moon.

Orion will enter Earth orbit after SLS ascent. A planned burn will send the spacecraft toward lunar flyby and return. The crew will exercise life-support, navigation, and deep-space communications systems.

Following the lunar pass, Orion will re-enter and splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

Scientific and program goals

The flight validates systems needed for future lunar landings. It serves as a stepping stone toward a crewed lunar landing later in the decade.

Crew

Four astronauts will fly on Artemis 2. Reid Wiseman serves as commander and Victor Glover is the pilot.

Mission specialists are Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency. Koch will be the first woman to travel to the moon’s vicinity. Glover will be the first person of color to do so. Hansen will be the first non-American on this lunar flyby.

Prelaunch briefings and events

• March 29, 11:30 a.m. EDT — astronaut virtual press conference.
• March 29, 2 p.m. EDT — NASA Artemis 2 status update.
• March 30, 5 p.m. EDT — mission management press briefing.
• March 31, 1 p.m. EDT — prelaunch press conference.

Backup opportunities and contingencies

Weather or technical issues could delay liftoff. NASA retains multiple attempts within the April 1–6 window.

Launch attempts are constrained by the size of the SLS rocket and fueling requirements. If the mission slips past April 6, April 30 is the next scheduled option.

Launch windows (April 2026)

For continuous updates and live coverage, consult official NASA channels and Filmogaz.com. The agency’s schedule confirms the April 1 target and the exact time revealed for the planned launch.