Returning to the Moon with Artemis II

Artemis II rolls slowly back from the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center on February 25, 2026. Photo Credit: Associated Press/John Raoux

Aspen Hickman, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

In the late 1960s and early 70s, humanity left our planet for the first time. The Apollo program was one of America’s greatest achievements, and it catapulted the U.S. to victory in the Space Race. But in the more than 50 years since then, no one has returned to our nearest celestial neighbor. Now, that’s changing.

“I’m super excited about us going back to the moon. I did not think that this would happen in my lifetime. I really didn't,” said Bryan Wood, a science teacher at Watauga High School.

Artemis II will carry 4 astronauts on a crewed flyby. The spacecraft will orbit the Moon before returning to Earth on a mission lasting 10 days. Though the crew will never touch down on the lunar surface, this mission is a key step towards that goal. It will be the first mission to leave low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

“I've always been fascinated by space travel,” said Finn Hogan, a senior at Watauga. “I do think that the opportunity for scientific discovery is always excellent when you go to the moon. I don't know that I'd ever want to be an astronaut, but I definitely want to do something in STEM, and the chance to learn more about space, or specifically the Moon, is very inspiring. The fact that we can get there now is beyond incredible.”

Though Artemis II’s mission plan is clear, a launch date is less certain. In 2011, the rocket was set to blast off in 2019. Then 2023. Then 2025. Then February, 2026. Until recently, the launch window was March 2026. Now, another delay has put the targeted launch date squarely on April 1st. But launch date isn’t the only time concern surrounding Artemis II.

“I will say that now, of all times, is definitely not when I personally would choose to spend the money or the time to go to the Moon. But if this has to be when we do it, then I'm excited,” said Hogan. “I find myself inspired by the concept of space travel. I do not find myself particularly in love with the fact that we're doing it now.”

Artemis II’s delays stem from an abundance of caution. Though spaceflight has advanced since the Apollo program, there is always risk involved with leaving solid ground. But despite the challenges, the Artemis program will eventually return us to the Moon and help us achieve our other goals. 

“This is the next step to Mars. This is the thing we've been talking about. Why is science important? Why is technology important? Why is going back to space important?” said Wood. “We're no longer going to be just studying our world. We're going to be going out into the solar system, and maybe farther one day.”