The Artemis II crew has officially entered quarantine as they prepare for their mission to the Moon. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen started this health measure on January 23, 2026. Quarantine helps prevent any illnesses that could delay their launch.
The mission could lift off as early as February 6, 2026. This is an exciting step toward the first crewed Moon mission since the Apollo program. On January 17, 2026, the Artemis II Space Launch System was rolled out and is now on the launch pad, ready for the countdown.
The quarantine period—known as the “health stabilization program”—starts about 14 days before launch. While this doesn’t confirm a launch date, it indicates that preparations are on track. An important step before the launch is the “wet dress rehearsal,” where the ground team will test all key stages without the crew on board.
During quarantine, the astronauts will stay at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building. They can still communicate with friends and colleagues, but any visitors must follow strict health guidelines, like wearing masks and avoiding public spaces.
So, what will the Artemis II mission look like? The crew will launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and enter Earth’s orbit. After that, an engine burn will take them towards the Moon, beyond where any humans have gone before. They will use the Moon’s gravity to help slingshot back toward Earth, offering a unique view of the far side of the Moon, which is seldom seen from our planet.
This mission will last about 10 days, ending with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Following Artemis II, Artemis III aims to land humans on the Moon, marking a significant step in space exploration. As we wait for the official launch date announcement, the crew’s entry into quarantine is a major milestone on the journey back to the Moon.
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