The Definitive Titusville
Guide to Artemis II

About Artemis II

Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis program — and humanity’s first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts will launch aboard the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B.

This mission represents a monumental step for the Artemis Accords, signaling a new era of international cooperation in space. By sending a diverse crew around the Moon, NASA is proving the systems that will eventually land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface during Artemis III.

The crew will reach a point approximately 4,600 miles beyond the far side of the Moon. From this vantage point, they will witness ‘Earthrise’ over the lunar horizon, capturing high-definition imagery that will be shared with the world in real-time.

🚀 Rocket & Spacecraft Breakdown

Space Launch System (SLS): NASA’s most powerful rocket ever built. Generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust — 15% more power than the Saturn V.

Orion Spacecraft: The primary capsule designed for human deep space exploration. Built for the intense environments of trans-lunar flight and high-speed re-entry.

The mission follows a free-return trajectory around the far side of the Moon. Re-entry occurs at 25,000 mph, with splashdown in the Pacific after 10 days.