NASA has temporarily lost contact with the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the moon, a predicted communications blackout that marks a critical phase of the historic crewed lunar flyby.

The best pictures from NASA’s Artemis II launch as four astronauts begin a historic journey around the moon after 53 years.

NASA's Artemis II two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 pm ET Wednesday, April 1, 2026. See best places on Florida's Treasure Coast to watch liftoff.

- NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) moon rocket with the Orion spacecraft slowly rolls back towards the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, Feb. 25, 2026, in Cape Canaveral,

Forecasters reveal the chance of poor weather that could delay the planned Artemis II launch planned for Wednesday evening.

NASA's Artemis II moon rocket launches with four astronauts aboard: Mission coverage highlights 321 Launch, FLORIDA TODAY's weekly space newsletter.

NASA has been called out on social media over the 'disappointing' Artemis II launch camera coverage that left people assuming the worst

Artemis II launch fever is in full swing, with space enthusiasts traveling to Florida's "Space Coast" from all over the country to see the mission lift off.