Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online
NASA is preparing to send humans back around the Moon in what promises to be a historic milestone for space exploration. The space agency has announced that it is targeting early March for the launch of its upcoming Artemis mission, marking the first time astronauts will orbit the Moon in more than half a century.
The mission, part of NASA’s Artemis program, aims to establish sustainable lunar exploration and prepare for eventual human missions to Mars. The flight will carry a crew of astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will be launched atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“This mission represents the next step in human spaceflight and our commitment to exploring beyond Earth,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Returning humans to lunar orbit allows us to test critical systems and conduct scientific experiments that will pave the way for longer-term missions on the Moon and eventually Mars.”
The crew will spend several days orbiting the Moon, conducting experiments and testing new technologies designed to support future lunar landings. This includes evaluating life support systems, navigation instruments, and radiation protection measures — all essential for sustained deep-space missions.
NASA officials have emphasized that safety remains a top priority. Engineers have conducted rigorous testing on the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground systems to ensure a smooth launch and orbit. Contingency plans are in place for a wide range of scenarios, from technical malfunctions to space weather disturbances.
The Artemis program is part of NASA’s broader goal to maintain American leadership in space exploration while fostering international collaboration. Several countries and private companies are contributing technologies and expertise to support the mission.
Public engagement is also a key focus. NASA plans to broadcast the launch and provide live updates from the astronauts while in lunar orbit. The mission is expected to capture global attention, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
Following this orbit mission, NASA aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface in subsequent Artemis missions, targeting both the Moon’s South Pole and areas previously unexplored by humans. These efforts will enable scientific research, resource exploration, and technological innovation crucial for the future of human space travel.
As early March approaches, anticipation is building within the global space community. The mission marks not only a step forward in human exploration but also a symbol of human curiosity and ingenuity, reminding the world of the possibilities that lie beyond our home planet.




























































































