America returns to the moon: How to watch Artemis II launch

NASA is counting down to the launch of Artemis II on Wednesday, the first time in more than 50 years the space agency has sent a crewed mission to the moon.

After suffering a series of significant setbacks last year, NASA is ready to go with the crewed lunar orbit and prepping their systems for launch.

'Engineers are powering up flight hardware ... and preparing the rocket's cryogenic systems.'

NASA has a targeted launch time of 6:24 p.m. ET, with a window that extends to 8:24 p.m. ET.

Online viewers can watch on NASA's YouTube channel (below) and alternatively C-SPAN, which requires a registered account.

In person, Artemis II will launch from Kennedy Space Center's LC-39B platform in Merritt Island, Florida.

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The Artemis II mission is a crewed lunar orbit that will test landing systems for future missions to the surface.

Artemis III is set for mid-2027, while Artemis IV is targeted for early 2028 and will include a lunar landing.

Artemis V is to include another lunar landing, aimed at launching by the end of 2028, which NASA previously said is when it expects to "begin building its moon base."

The last lunar mission by NASA was Apollo 17 in December 1972.

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Miguel J. Rodriguez CARRILLO/AFP/Getty Images

The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

"Engineers are powering up flight hardware, checking communication links, and preparing the rocket's cryogenic systems for the precise fueling sequence required to load hundreds of thousands of gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen," NASA said in a countdown press release.

If any weather or technical issues arise that would delay the launch, NASA has a second launch window of 7:22 p.m. to 9:22 p.m. ET on Thursday, Today reported, with 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday serving as a final window.

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