Orion is already on the way to the Moon in the current Artemis II mission, and it’s expected to reach the Moon around Monday, April 6, 2026, at about 1 p.m. ET. During that flyby, it will pass close to the lunar surface rather than land.

Quick Scoop

  • The spacecraft completed its Earth-departure burn and is now traveling toward the Moon.
  • The closest lunar approach is expected on flight day 6, with Orion flying about 4,000 miles above the Moon.
  • Artemis II is a 10-day mission and does not include a landing.

What “reach the Moon” means here

In this mission, “reach the Moon” means Orion arrives for a lunar flyby , not a touchdown. NASA’s timeline says the crew will swing around the far side of the Moon before heading back to Earth.

Bottom line

If you mean the current Artemis II mission , Orion should reach the Moon on April 6, 2026, around 1 p.m. ET.