What Happened
This weekend promises to be an exciting time for space enthusiasts, with NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket returning to the launch pad and the northern lights visible across 18 states. The Artemis 2 rocket, which will carry astronauts on a lunar fly-around, began its slow 4-mile journey to the launch pad on Friday, March 20, 2026. Meanwhile, aurora chasers are preparing for spectacular views of the northern lights, which may be visible as far south as Illinois.
Why It Matters
The Artemis 2 mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon by 2024. The mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts on a lunar fly-around. The success of this mission is crucial for NASA's future plans, including establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.
Key Numbers
- **4: The number of astronauts who will be carried on the Artemis 2 mission.
- **322 feet: The height of the SLS rocket.
- ****$190 million:** The value of the launch contract signed by Rocket Lab with the US Department of Defense.
- **20: The number of flights of Rocket Lab's HASTE launch vehicle contracted by the US Department of Defense.
What Experts Say
"The Artemis 2 mission is a critical step in our plans to return humans to the moon." — NASA Administrator, Bill Nelson
Background
NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface by 2024. The program includes several missions, including the Artemis 2 mission, which will test the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Rocket Lab's launch contract with the US Department of Defense is also significant, as it will test hypersonic technology for the US military.
What Comes Next
The Artemis 2 mission is expected to launch in early April, pending the success of the current testing and preparations. Meanwhile, aurora chasers are advised to check the forecast and head to the designated viewing areas to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. As the space industry continues to evolve, we can expect more exciting developments in the coming months.
Key Facts
- Who: NASA and Rocket Lab
- What: Artemis 2 moon rocket returns to the launch pad and aurora chasers prepare for spectacular views.
- Where: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and 18 states across the US
- Impact: The success of the Artemis 2 mission is crucial for NASA's future plans, including establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.
What Happened
This weekend promises to be an exciting time for space enthusiasts, with NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket returning to the launch pad and the northern lights visible across 18 states. The Artemis 2 rocket, which will carry astronauts on a lunar fly-around, began its slow 4-mile journey to the launch pad on Friday, March 20, 2026. Meanwhile, aurora chasers are preparing for spectacular views of the northern lights, which may be visible as far south as Illinois.
Why It Matters
The Artemis 2 mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon by 2024. The mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts on a lunar fly-around. The success of this mission is crucial for NASA's future plans, including establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.
Key Numbers
- **4: The number of astronauts who will be carried on the Artemis 2 mission.
- **322 feet: The height of the SLS rocket.
- ****$190 million:** The value of the launch contract signed by Rocket Lab with the US Department of Defense.
- **20: The number of flights of Rocket Lab's HASTE launch vehicle contracted by the US Department of Defense.
What Experts Say
"The Artemis 2 mission is a critical step in our plans to return humans to the moon." — NASA Administrator, Bill Nelson
Background
NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface by 2024. The program includes several missions, including the Artemis 2 mission, which will test the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Rocket Lab's launch contract with the US Department of Defense is also significant, as it will test hypersonic technology for the US military.
What Comes Next
The Artemis 2 mission is expected to launch in early April, pending the success of the current testing and preparations. Meanwhile, aurora chasers are advised to check the forecast and head to the designated viewing areas to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. As the space industry continues to evolve, we can expect more exciting developments in the coming months.
Key Facts
- Who: NASA and Rocket Lab
- What: Artemis 2 moon rocket returns to the launch pad and aurora chasers prepare for spectacular views.
- Where: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and 18 states across the US
- Impact: The success of the Artemis 2 mission is crucial for NASA's future plans, including establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.