when will artemis 2 come back

Artemis II is currently expected to launch on April 1, 2026 at the earliest , after earlier February and March plans were delayed. NASA also has backup April windows, including April 2–6 and April 30, 2026.

Quick scoop

The mission is still a launch-to-the-Moon-and-back test flight, not a “return” to Earth that has happened yet. Recent reporting says NASA pushed the schedule after technical issues, including a hydrogen leak during a wet dress rehearsal and a helium-flow problem on the upper stage.

Current timing

• Earliest current target: April 1, 2026.

• Other April opportunities: April 2–6 and April 30, 2026.

• Why it slipped: February was ruled out after a wet dress rehearsal issue, and March was also scrubbed after a helium leak.

What to watch

If you mean “when will it come back” as in when will Artemis II return to Earth after launch , the mission is planned as a roughly 10-day flight.

If you want, I can also give you the latest live status on whether the April 1 window is still holding.