Artemis Updates

A complete record of Artemis coverage, milestone moments, and continuing program updates.

Last checked: April 17, 2026 3:21 pm
Crew

NASA Artemis II Human Research Data Methodology Challenge

NASA's Artemis II mission, featuring a crew of four astronauts, successfully completed a flyby of the Moon and is currently en route back to Earth, with a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026. This mission marks the first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17, providing valuable data on the physiological and psychological effects of deep space travel. The Human Research Program is leveraging this unique opportunity to enhance understanding of astronaut health and performance, crucial for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
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Mission

NASA, OPM Announce New NASA Force Website, Open Job Applications 

NASA, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, has launched the NASA Force website to recruit top engineers and technologists for mission-critical roles supporting the agency's air and space initiatives. This initiative aims to attract skilled professionals to bolster NASA's exploration and technology efforts, particularly following the inspiration generated by the successful Artemis II mission. The first job opening under this program is for aerospace engineer positions, marking a significant step in enhancing the agency's workforce for future missions.
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Spacecraft

Artemis 2 astronauts praise performance of Orion

Astronauts from the Artemis 2 mission have expressed strong confidence in the Orion spacecraft's performance after their lunar flyby. They believe that Orion is well-prepared to support upcoming missions in NASA's Artemis program.
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General

Volunteers Discover Rare Space Weather Events Using Their Ears

Volunteers participating in NASA's Heliophysics Audified: Resonances in Plasmas (HARP) citizen science project have made an unexpected discovery regarding plasma waves in Earth's magnetic field. By translating magnetic field measurements into sound, they identified an anomaly where lower pitches were found closer to Earth, contrary to initial expectations. This finding will enhance scientists' understanding of geomagnetic storms and highlights the valuable contributions of citizen scientists in space research.
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General

NASA Invites Media to Latvia Artemis Accords Signing Ceremony

NASA will host a signing ceremony for the Artemis Accords with the Republic of Latvia on April 20 at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Latvia's Minister for Education and Science, Dace Melbārde, will join NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and other officials for the event, marking Latvia as the 62nd nation to join the accords. The Artemis Accords aim to establish principles for safe and transparent civil space exploration on the Moon and beyond.
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Crew

How space weather forecasting keeps astronauts (and satellites) safe

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in Boulder, Colorado, plays a crucial role in safeguarding astronauts, including the recently returned Artemis 2 crew, from the dangers posed by solar storms and flares. By providing accurate space weather forecasts, the SWPC helps protect both crewed missions and satellites from potential harm caused by these volatile solar events.
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Mission

At the Edge of Light

NASA has released a stunning image from the Artemis II mission, showcasing the Moon's far side along the terminator, where low-angle sunlight creates dramatic shadows. Captured on April 6, 2026, the photo highlights the Orientale Basin and reveals intricate details of the lunar surface, offering valuable insights into the Moon's geologic history. This imagery underscores the mission's goal of enhancing our understanding of lunar terrain.
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Mission

Artemis 2 is a benchmark in our space exploration program — and it depends on steady NASA funding

The successful completion of the Artemis 2 mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's human space exploration efforts, highlighting the importance of sustained funding for future endeavors. As discussions about the affordability of human spaceflight continue, NASA emphasizes the need for a clear path forward to maintain momentum in its exploration program.
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Timeline

NASA’s Mobile Launcher Rolls Ahead of Artemis III Preparation

NASA's mobile launcher has begun its journey from Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center, marking a key step in preparations for the upcoming Artemis III mission, set to launch next year. Following the successful Artemis II test flight, the mobile launcher will undergo inspections and repairs to address damage sustained during previous launches, ensuring readiness for the next phase of the Artemis program. Operations will pause briefly to allow ground teams to rest before continuing the trek to the VAB.
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Crew

Expedition 74 sees vehicle departures and a spacewalk during March

In March, the Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station managed three vehicle departures, including the JAXA HTV-X1 and Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG-23, as well as a spacewalk designated U.S. Spacewalk 94. The crew also engaged in a communication session with the Artemis II team on April 7 during their return from the Moon, highlighting ongoing collaboration between the ISS and Artemis missions.
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Spacecraft

I Am Artemis: Rebekah Tolatovicz

Rebekah Tolatovicz, a mechanical technician lead at Lockheed Martin, plays a crucial role in the assembly and testing of the Orion spacecraft for NASA's Artemis missions at the Kennedy Space Center. Her work involves everything from coordinating technicians to hands-on installation of major components, showcasing the diverse technical challenges involved in preparing for lunar exploration. Tolatovicz expresses her enthusiasm for the multifaceted nature of her job, emphasizing the importance of each detail in the spacecraft's construction.
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Timeline

NASA Selects Voyager for Seventh Private Mission to Space Station

NASA has selected Voyager Technologies for its seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, scheduled to launch no earlier than 2028. This mission, named VOYG-1, aims to enhance commercial space opportunities and support the growth of a sustainable low Earth orbit economy. Voyager will propose a crew of four for NASA's review, marking a significant step in the collaboration between private industry and NASA in advancing human spaceflight.
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Mission

2026 NSTA Hyperwall Schedule

NASA will showcase its Artemis mission and related educational initiatives at the NSTA Hyperwall event from April 16-18, 2026. The schedule includes presentations on topics such as teaching space weather in the context of Artemis, utilizing NASA resources for classroom learning, and the transformative impact of the NISAR satellite mission on our understanding of Earth. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with NASA experts and explore innovative ways to inspire future scientists.
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General

NASA Receives 7 Nominations for the 30th Annual Webby Awards

NASA has received seven nominations for the 30th Annual Webby Awards, recognizing its efforts in digital communication and outreach related to its space missions, including the Artemis program. Categories include social media campaigns and educational content, highlighting NASA's innovative use of platforms to engage the public. Voting for the Webby People's Voice Awards is currently open until April 16, allowing the public to support their favorite nominees.
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Crew

Q&A: Astronaut Linda Godwin on lessons learned from Artemis

Former NASA astronaut Linda Godwin shared insights from her extensive space experience, including lessons learned from the Artemis mission. With over 38 days in orbit and two historic spacewalks, Godwin emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in preparing for future lunar exploration. Her reflections highlight the ongoing evolution of human spaceflight as NASA aims to return to the Moon.
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Spacecraft

‘The show goes on:’ NASA looks beyond Artemis 2

NASA's Artemis 2 mission successfully returned to Earth on April 10, with the Orion spacecraft Integrity splashing down in the Pacific Ocean after a nine-day journey. This mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's plans to send astronauts back to the moon, as the agency now shifts its focus to future Artemis missions.
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Crew

A Hug for Home Away from Home

NASA astronaut Christina Koch embraced the Orion spacecraft after the successful splashdown of the Artemis II crew on April 10, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean. The mission, which included astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen, marks the first crewed flight of the Artemis program, providing valuable insights for future lunar and Mars missions. Following their recovery, the astronauts were transported to the USS John P. Murtha for medical evaluations before returning to Houston for a news conference.
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Mission

Axiom Space plans 2027 flight test of spacesuit

Axiom Space is planning to conduct a flight test of its spacesuit designed for the Artemis lunar missions in 2027, with the test potentially taking place on the International Space Station or during the Artemis 3 mission. This development marks a significant step in preparing for future lunar exploration as part of NASA's Artemis program.
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Timeline

NASA Invites Media to Rollout Event for Artemis III Moon Rocket Stage

NASA is set to roll out the largest section of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis III mission on April 20, moving it from the Michoud Assembly Facility to the Kennedy Space Center. This core stage, which includes critical components like the liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks, will be transported on the Pegasus barge, with media invited to cover the event. Following the rollout, teams will complete outfitting and prepare for the rocket's vertical integration and launch preparations.
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Timeline

NASA Announces 32nd Annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge Winners

NASA recently concluded its 32nd annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge, held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where student teams from around the globe showcased their lunar rover designs. The competition featured over 500 participants from 42 teams, with awards given for both human-powered and remote-controlled divisions, highlighting innovative engineering and teamwork. Notable winners included Parish Episcopal School for high school human-powered rovers and the University of Central Missouri for college entries, demonstrating the next generation's commitment to space exploration.
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About the Mission Archive

This archive preserves Artemis II coverage while continuing to track major Artemis program developments as attention turns toward Artemis III.

Archive summaries are AI-assisted. For mission-critical details, always refer to official sources.

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