NASA's Artemis II launch is happening on April 1, 2026, around 6:24 p.m. This marks the first crewed journey around the moon in more than 50 years!
With a major step toward returning humans to deep space, this isn't a launch you'll want to miss, and luckily, you can watch the countdown and take-off right from the MOSI Saunders Planetarium for their Artemis II Launch Watch Party!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>What are the details of the Artemis II launch?
This launch is the second act of the Artemis Program that will take us further into space than ever before. It's been nearly four years since the historic Artemis I launch, and in years to come, the Artemis III launch is next.
The launch of Artemis II will send four astronauts—including the first woman and first person of color to crew a lunar mission—on a 10-day mission around the moon. This is NASA's most powerful rocket ever built, and this mission is a way to test key systems for future exploration.
One of the goals is to learn how to live and operate on the surface of another celestial body. By going to the moon and spending more time there, NASA can learn more about long-term exploration in deep space. The technologies we need before sending astronauts on missions to Mars, which can take up to three years round-trip, will be tested through the Artemis Program.
Experience an Epic Date Night at MOSI's Artemis II Launch Watch Party in Tampa
MOSI is offering a unique setting to experience the Artemis II launch inside their absolutely epic Saunders Planetarium!
With this launch event, guests will watch a live broadcast of the launch and can learn more about the mission and the future of space exploration, while enjoying cosmic-themed activities.
Now, here's where things get out of this world! VIP ticket holders (limited to ages 21+) will include access to the live broadcast on the dome rooftop, with food, drinks, and telescope viewings!
🚀 It's important to note that this event follows NASA’s official launch schedule, and dates and times may change. These changes are outside of MOSI’s control.
Artemis II Launch Event Schedule and Tickets
Date and Location:
April 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL
Artemis II Launch Event Tickets:
- VIP Admission: $45 per person (for guests ages 21+ only)
- General Admission: $15 per child, $30 per adult
- MOSI Member Admission: $15 per person (active MOSI membership required)
What if the Artemis II launch is delayed?
If NASA and Artemis Flight Operations scrub the launch for the designated date and time, a launch attempt may be made the following evening, according to the launch windows determined by NASA. If this happens, purchased tickets will automatically roll over to the next launch window’s date and time. Please watch your email for any correspondence from reservations@mosi.org.
If notice of a launch delay is received after 5:30 p.m. on April 1 or during the event, the event will continue as planned that evening. Guests will be invited to return on the next available launch window to watch the live stream from the Saunders Planetarium. NOTE: Activities and VIP experiences will not be repeated.
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