Current Artemis launch status at a glance
As of today, Artemis I is the only completed flight; Artemis II is scheduled for no earlier than September 2025, and Artemis III is targeted for no earlier than September 2026. There is no Artemis launch occurring today in the sense of a new orbital mission, but near-term milestones for the program remain active. This status clarifier outlines the schedule, what each mission will accomplish, and how to verify any changes in real time.
Artemis I: completed uncrewed test flight
Artemis I launched on November 16, 2022, and completed its mission on December 11, 2022. This uncrewed flight tested the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) core stage through translunar orbit and return. There is no Artemis I launch today; the mission already occurred and returned successfully.
Artemis I mission facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Launch date | November 16, 2022 | NASA |
| Splashdown date | December 11, 2022 | NASA |
| Orbit type | Translunar distant retrograde orbit | NASA |
| Crew | Uncrewed | NASA |
Artemis II: first crewed lunar flyby, scheduled
Artemis II will be the first crewed flight of Orion and SLS, sending astronauts on a free-return trajectory around the Moon. The mission is currently scheduled for no earlier than September 2025. There is no Artemis II launch today, but the program is in final preparation, including astronaut training, spacecraft processing, and ground systems checks.
Artemis II key details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted timeframe | No earlier than September 2025 | NASA |
| Crew size | 4 astronauts | NASA |
| Mission profile | Lunar flyby, free-return trajectory | NASA |
| Status | In preparation, hardware processing | NASA |
Artemis III: landing mission, longer-term target
Artemis III aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and establish a sustained lunar presence. It is currently targeted for no earlier than September 2026. The mission depends on Artemis II’s success, critical human landing system development, and lunar surface systems. There is no Artemis III launch today; it remains in early mission planning and preparation.
Artemis III highlights
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted timeframe | No earlier than September 2026 | NASA |
| Objective | Lunar surface landing and surface operations | NASA |
| Crew | 2 astronauts | NASA |
| Dependences | Artemis II success, HLS, surface systems | NASA |
How to track official Artemis launch information
Because launch dates can shift due to engineering reviews, testing, and weather, rely on authoritative sources. Check NASA’s Artemis page, the NASA Launch Schedule, and official agency social channels for real-time updates. Treat unofficial or speculative posts as non-authoritative.
Summary: is there an Artemis launch today?
No Artemis mission is launching today in the sense of a new flight. Artemis I completed in 2022. Artemis II is scheduled for no earlier than September 2025. Artemis III is targeted for no earlier than September 2026. If you are checking for a live event today, none are occurring; if you are planning around future launches, monitor NASA’s official channels for verified updates.
Practical next steps
- Bookmark NASA’s Artemis mission page for consolidated timelines and updates.
- Subscribe to NASA’s launch notification services or RSS for real-time alerts.
- If you heard a specific date, verify it against the official schedule before making plans.
- Distinguish between mission milestones (wet dress rehearsals, tanking tests) and launch dates; not all milestones indicate a launch.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will Artemis launch today?
No Artemis launch is scheduled for today. Artemis I flew in 2022. The next flight, Artemis II, is scheduled for no earlier than September 2025. Confirm via NASA’s official launch schedule.
When is the next Artemis launch after today?
The next launch is Artemis II, currently scheduled for no earlier than September 2025, followed by Artemis III no earlier than September 2026. Artemis I has already occurred.
Where can I verify Artemis launch dates?
Use NASA’s Artemis mission page, the NASA Launch Schedule, and the official NASA website. Avoid unverified social posts or non-authoritative sources for planning.
What does 'no earlier than' mean for Artemis missions?
‘No earlier than’ is a readiness target subject to change based on tests, hardware, and operational factors. These dates reflect current planning but are not guaranteed.
How can I stay updated on Artemis changes?
Follow NASA’s official channels, subscribe to mission updates, and check the NASA Launch Schedule regularly. News from authorized agency representatives is the most reliable.
Are wet dress rehearsals the same as a launch?
No. Wet dress rehearsals simulate launch-day procedures without propellant loading or ignition. They test systems; a launch is a live flight event. Rehearsals inform readiness but are not launches.