NASA set for first crewed Moon mission in 50 years

NASA has begun its final countdown for its first crewed mission to the Moon in more than five decades, marking a major step toward future lunar exploration.

The launch is scheduled from the Kennedy Space Center, with the first window opening on April 1 at 6:24 pm local time. Officials said preparations are on track, with confidence high ahead of liftoff.

"The vehicle is ready, the system is ready. The crew is ready," said Amit Kshatriya, a senior NASA official, adding that the mission is part of a broader plan that includes building a lunar base.

If needed, additional launch opportunities are available through April 6. Engineers and mission teams say all systems are performing well, though final decisions will depend on conditions at launch time.

The mission will carry four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen — who are currently in quarantine before the flight. The journey will mark several historic firsts, including the first time a woman, a person of color, and a non-American will travel on a Moon mission.

This will also be the first crewed flight of NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket, designed to support repeated missions to the Moon and eventually enable long-term human presence there.

While preparations have faced delays in recent months, including technical checks and repairs, officials say the mission is now in strong shape. Weather remains a key factor, with an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions, though cloud cover and wind are still being monitored.