Mission Phases
Use this phase-by-phase schedule to understand what happens during each major segment of the crewed lunar flyby mission, what the crew is doing now, and why each milestone matters.
Live Timeline Position
Quiet coast days are where the mission proves Orion is operationally sustainable, not just launch-capable.
Phase 1
2026-04-01 16:00:00 UTC
SLS lifts Orion from Kennedy Space Center and carries the Artemis II crew into orbit.
Why It Matters
Launch is the first crewed proof that Orion, SLS, ground systems, and flight operations work together under real mission pressure.
Key Events
Liftoff
2026-04-01 16:00:00 UTC
SLS departs Kennedy Space Center and begins the crewed Artemis II mission.
Phase 2
2026-04-01 18:00:00 UTC
The crew verifies critical systems in parking orbit before departure from Earth.
Why It Matters
This quiet window closes the gap between simulation and reality by confirming the vehicle is ready for the burn that sends it to the Moon.
Key Events
Earth orbit checkout
2026-04-01 19:30:00 UTC
The crew verifies guidance, communications, and cabin systems before departure burn.
Phase 3
2026-04-02 04:00:00 UTC
The upper stage performs the burn that sends Orion away from Earth and toward the Moon.
Why It Matters
Translunar injection is the commitment point where Artemis II becomes a genuine lunar mission rather than an Earth-orbit test.
Key Events
Translunar injection burn
2026-04-02 04:30:00 UTC
The upper stage performs the burn that sends Orion toward the Moon.
Phase 4
2026-04-03 00:00:00 UTC
Current phase
Orion cruises through deep space while the crew and ground teams monitor systems and trajectory.
Why It Matters
Outbound coast proves deep-space operations can remain stable and manageable after the drama of launch has faded.
Key Events
Outbound systems and navigation check
2026-04-04 12:00:00 UTC
Mission control and crew review performance during the long coast to the Moon.
Phase 5
2026-04-06 18:00:00 UTC
The spacecraft makes its closest pass of the Moon and uses the flyby to bend back toward Earth.
Why It Matters
The lunar flyby is the clearest demonstration that Artemis II can execute the full crewed lunar profile safely and precisely.
Key Events
Closest lunar approach
2026-04-06 18:00:00 UTC
Orion reaches its closest point to the Moon and starts the return leg.
Phase 6
2026-04-08 00:00:00 UTC
The crew continues navigation, communications, and systems checks on the way back to Earth.
Why It Matters
Return coast tests endurance, discipline, and operational consistency over several days, which is essential for later Artemis missions.
Key Events
Phase 7
2026-04-11 16:00:00 UTC
Orion re-enters Earth's atmosphere and splashes down for recovery at sea.
Why It Matters
A safe re-entry completes the full transportation loop and proves the mission can return its crew from lunar distances.
Key Events
Re-entry interface
2026-04-11 12:15:00 UTC
Orion begins the high-energy atmospheric return segment ahead of splashdown.
Splashdown and recovery
2026-04-11 16:00:00 UTC
Orion splashes down and recovery operations begin.
Tracker
Use the event-driven tracker shell to see what phase is active and what comes next.
Coverage
Watch launch, departure burn, lunar flyby, and splashdown coverage as those windows open.
Read More
Use the blog for explainers on lunar flyby geometry, coast operations, and re-entry.