...the who's who,
and the what's what 
of the space industry

Copernical Team

Copernical Team

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Tuesday, 31 March 2026 15:03

Artemis II: let's go

The Artemis II rocket at its launchpad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Image: The Artemis II rocket at its launchpad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Tuesday, 31 March 2026 15:07

Watch live: Artemis II launch

The Artemis II rocket at its launchpad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

The first launch opportunity for Artemis II, the first mission to bring astronauts towards the Moon in over 50 years, is set for 1 April at 18:24 local time (2 April at 00:24 CEST). Tune in from one hour before launch at 22:24 BST / 23:24 CEST on ESA Web TV to watch the launch.

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Monday, 30 March 2026 07:00

Europe's engines powering Artemis II

Dividing Earth and Moon

When Artemis II carries astronauts beyond Earth orbit for the first time in 50 years, Europe will be providing the power that makes the journey possible. Built by European industry, ESA’s European Service Module is the propulsion heart of the Orion spacecraft, carrying 33 engines that guide, steer and propel the crew safely towards the Moon and back. 

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 07:00

European eyes on Artemis

ESA engineer Luca Fossati in Orion's Mission Evaluation Room in an Artemis II simulation

When the four astronauts of Artemis II lift off to travel towards the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, Europe will be travelling with them – not only through the European Service Module that powers their spacecraft, but also through teams of engineers and medical specialists monitoring every move from Earth. 

From ESA centres in the Netherlands and Germany to NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston, European experts will follow the mission around the clock, analysing data, anticipating risks and ensuring that both the crew and their spacecraft remain safe throughout the journey.

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