CNN is launching Countdown, a newsletter dedicated to Artemis II — the first crewed deep‑space mission in over 50 years. Four astronauts are expected to lift off as soon as March 6, on a planned lunar loop that would mark humanity’s return beyond low‑Earth orbit since Apollo in 1972. CNN reporters, including the author and Jackie Wattles, will be on site at Kennedy Space Center to deliver behind‑the‑scenes updates, photos and video, plus analysis and human stories from the launch.
Countdown: CNN’s Live Coverage Of Artemis II — The First Crewed Deep‑Space Mission In Over 50 Years
The Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft sit on the launchpad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. - Keegan Barber/NASA
Few experiences match the electric thrill of a rocket launch. I still remember standing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the long‑anticipated liftoff of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022 — even after nearly a decade covering space and science, the scale of the Space Launch System left me awestruck.
Before the rocket left the pad, simply gaining access to that historic, reverent place felt like a rare privilege. There were plenty of "pinch me" moments: an interview with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir who shared our excitement for Artemis I; filming beneath the towering Vehicle Assembly Building where launch vehicles are stacked and prepared; and watching the Artemis I vehicle stand on the pad against the coastal skyline.
Now NASA is preparing Artemis II, and I’m excited to bring you the behind‑the‑scenes moments that show what it’s like to witness another milestone in human exploration. This mission is set to send a crew into deep space for the first time in more than five decades. Four astronauts are expected to lift off as soon as March 6 (schedule subject to change as teams complete final checks).
The mission will take the crew on a risky, carefully planned trip around the Moon and back — the first human departure from low‑Earth orbit since Apollo in 1972 — and the planned trajectory could carry them farther from Earth than any humans have traveled before.
What You’ll Get From Countdown
- Regular updates on mission status, launch preparations and any schedule changes.
- On‑site reporting from Kennedy Space Center, including photos and video captured by CNN’s team.
- Profiles and interviews that highlight the technical work and human stories behind the mission.
- Expert context and analysis explaining what the mission means for NASA, science and future exploration.
CNN reporters Jackie Wattles and I will be on the ground at Kennedy Space Center, sharing exclusive, up‑close moments you won’t find elsewhere: candid conversations with crew and staff, the logistics and safety work behind a deep‑space crew launch, and real‑time coverage as Artemis II moves toward its launch window.
Want to follow along? Sign up for Countdown to receive timely updates, photos and video as Artemis II progresses — from final preparations to liftoff and beyond.
Expect continuous coverage and clear explanations to help you understand both the risks and the rewards of this historic mission.
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