-ABC News' Yi-Jin Yu and Nic UffApr 1, 8:45 PMArtemis II crew enters high Earth orbitThe Artemis II crew has entered high Earth orbit about two hours after lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center. -ABC News' Briana AlvaradoApr 1, 7:01 PM'World will be watching': Sen. Maria Cantwell says of Artemis II crewSen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said Artemis II will establish the foundation for future missions. Apr 1, 6:45 PMArtemis II crew reaches its initial orbitThe four-person Artemis II crew has reached its initial orbit, one of the first steps as the astronauts head to the moon. Apr 1, 6:36 PMArtemis II crew lifts off for the moonThe Artemis II crew lifted off at 6:35 p.m. After years of preparation from various parts of the agency, NASA has officially launched its historic Artemis II mission.

Source: CNN April 02, 2026 08:35 UTC