What happened: NASA's Artemis II mission will send astronauts around the Moon without landing, aiming for a 2024 launch. The goal is to test spacecraft systems ahead of a planned lunar landing in 2028.
Why it matters:
- It marks a key step toward returning humans to the Moon after decades.
- Astronaut safety and mission readiness are priorities before attempting a lunar landing.
MNN Take: Artemis II serves as a crucial test flight to ensure all systems function properly in lunar orbit before committing to a surface landing mission.
Sources: BBC US & Canada