Launch and Ascent
Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center and carried four astronauts beyond low Earth orbit.
Watch Artemis II Highlights
✅ CONFIRMEDEastern Time
April 1, 2026 at 18:35 ET
UTC
April 1, 2026 at 22:35 UTC
📍 Kennedy Space Center • Launch Complex 39B • Florida, USA
Mission Coverage Archive
Replay Artemis II from launch to splashdown with NASA's official mission coverage, then use the action buttons above to jump into mission updates or the tracker archive for the full historical view.
Key Moments
The defining milestones of humanity’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years.
NASA Launch Broadcast
Watch the full official NASA launch coverage from countdown through liftoff and ascent.
Orion Live Views
Follow NASA's onboard coverage and deep-space views from Orion as Artemis II headed away from Earth.
Space-to-Space Call
The Artemis II crew connected with astronauts aboard the International Space Station for a space-to-space conversation during the mission.
New Human Record
Artemis II carried humans farther from Earth than ever before, reaching a peak of 252,756 miles.
Lunar Flyby
Orion passed behind the Moon and completed its closest approach before beginning the free-return journey home. Watch NASA's official lunar flyby coverage without leaving the page.
Earthrise and Return
The crew regained contact, saw Earthrise, and began the final stretch back toward Earth. Watch NASA's official return coverage without leaving the page.
Splashdown and Recovery
Artemis II completed its mission with a safe Pacific splashdown and recovery operation.
Watch Live
● LIVE
NASA Official
Official NASA livestream with mission control audio. Coverage begins ~6 hours before launch.
NASA TV
📺
24/7 Coverage
Available on cable and satellite. Coverage begins 6+ hours before liftoff.
NASA TV Schedule →TV Coverage by Region
📡 Major Networks
ABC, NBC, CBS: Special broadcast segments expected during prime time.
📺 Cable News
CNN, Fox News: Live coverage of launch and milestones.
📡 Channel 4 News
Evening coverage of major milestones.
🇩🇪 ARD/ZDF
Germany's public broadcasters.
View In Person
Kennedy Space Center
Closest Public ViewOfficial NASA launch viewing from the closest public location to Pad 39B.
Feel the Heat Package
$250 + tax
📍 Apollo/Saturn V Center Lawn
- Two-day KSC admission
- Second visit within 30 days
- Dedicated viewing lawn
- Live audio & commentary
- Buffet meal & beverages
- Mission badge & souvenirs
- Bus transportation
General Launch Package
$99 + tax
📍 Atlantis Lawn / Rocket Garden
- Two-day KSC admission
- Second visit within 30 days
- Live audio & commentary
- Commemorative card
- Exhibit access
How to Book
- Visit KennedySpaceCenter.com
- Navigate to "Launch Viewing Packages"
- Select your package & location
- Tickets sold first-come, first-served
- Sign up for email alerts
⚠️ Standard admission NOT valid for launch viewing
Free Public Viewing
No CostExcellent public viewing areas around the Space Coast.
Titusville (Best Free Spot)
Across Indian River from LC-39B. Elevated, clear sightlines.
Max Brewer Bridge & Parrish Park
Top-rated for LC-39B. Parking, waterfront, elevated views.
Space View Park
Excellent Titusville option with great sightlines.
Other Parks
Marina Park, Sand Point, Manzo, Rotary Riverfront, Kennedy Point
💡 Arrive early (possibly night before) for prime spots
Port Canaveral
Clear views from multiple spots.
Route 528 Over Banana River
Direct view of pad.
Jetty Park
Good for sonic boom experience.
Cocoa Beach
Further away but less crowded.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Alan Shepard Park
Fischer & Lori Wilson Parks
Free Viewing Tips
- Bring: Chairs, snacks, water, sunscreen, bug spray
- Arrive: 6-8 hours early for prime spots
- Parking: Can be limited — plan ahead
- Weather: Check forecast — launches can postpone
Virtual Guest Program
Free from HomeCan't travel to Florida? Join NASA's Virtual Guest Program for free!
- Curated mission resources & updates
- Virtual guest passport with stamps
- Launch party hosting resources
- Completely FREE — no cost
Planning Timeline
NOW
Sign up for alerts at KennedySpaceCenter.com
4-6 Weeks Before
Book tickets & hotel with flexible cancellation
1 Week Before
Check weather — dates may shift
Launch Day
Arrive early — 6-8 hours before
What You'll See From Earth
Here's what to expect during the first 3 hours after launch.
T-0
Launch: Brilliant Bright Light
Visible from Florida CoastThe Space Launch System will be the brightest object in the sky for ~8 minutes. Expect a brilliant golden/orange glow visible from Florida and the Atlantic seaboard.
⭐ Peak brightness: First 2 minutes after ignition
T+8 MIN
Core Stage Separation
Not VisibleMain core stage falls to Atlantic. Upper stage and Orion continue to orbit.
T+10-15 MIN
Sonic Boom Reaches Coast
Audible from FloridaPowerful sonic boom reaches Titusville, Port Canaveral, and Cocoa Beach. Surprisingly loud!
T+1 TO 24 HOURS
Orion in Earth Orbit
Visible with BinocularsOrion orbits Earth before TLI burn. May be visible with binoculars or telescope if timing aligns.
T+~24 HOURS
Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI)
Not Visible🌙 Mission truly begins. Orion accelerates toward the Moon. Not visible from Earth.
Ready to witness history?
Be part of humanity's return to the Moon.