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NASA Prepares Artemis II Moon Mission Amid Space Race

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) stacks Orion atop the Space Launch System (SLS) at Kennedy Space Center for Artemis II.
The launch is planned for February 5, 2026, with four astronauts orbiting the Moon.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy highlighted the mission amid a Moon race, particularly against China.
NASA reopened the Artemis III lunar lander contract due to delays in the Starship program, previously awarded to SpaceX.

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Story summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) stacks Orion atop the Space Launch System (SLS) at Kennedy Space Center for Artemis II.
The launch is planned for February 5, 2026, with four astronauts orbiting the Moon.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy highlighted the mission amid a Moon race, particularly against China.
NASA reopened the Artemis III lunar lander contract due to delays in the Starship program, previously awarded to SpaceX.