Artemis II Countdown: How and When to Watch the Launch

After multiple delays, rocket repairs, and a [restructuring of the program](https://www.wired.com/story/nasa-is-making-big-changes-to-speed-up-the-artemis-program/) to return to the moon, the [Artemis II mission](https://www.wired.com/story/the-trip-to-the-far-side-of-the-moon-nasa-artemis/) is ready for liftoff. If there are no problems, four astronauts will inaugurate [NASA’s](https://www.wired.com/tag/nasa) new lunar campaign on Wednesday, more than 50 years after the Apollo era.

The Artemis II crew will not descend to the [moon](https://www.wired.com/tag/moon); that won’t happen until Artemis IV. But their capsule will fly 6,000 to 9,000 kilometers over the surface of the hidden side of Earth’s satellite, circle it, and make the return trip home. The main objective of the mission is to demonstrate that the space agency has the technological capability to send people to the moon safely and without mishap.

Once this is achieved, NASA will begin preparations for new lunar landings during the following years, which will aim to consolidate the first lunar bases in history and with it, the sustained and sustainable presence of human beings on the satellite.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Artemis II mission, the long-awaited (and long-delayed) human return to the moon: [https://www.wired.com/story/artemis-ii-countdown-how-and-when-to-watch-the-launch-of-the-manned-mission-to-the-moon/](https://www.wired.com/story/artemis-ii-countdown-how-and-when-to-watch-the-launch-of-the-manned-mission-to-the-moon/)

I hope they get some sick HD video during the moon flyby.

I realize I’ve never wondered why the window closes (if they don’t launch within 5 days)?

And while I’m at it, why are there are windows for re-entry?

Is it weather-related or to minimize potential disaster in population zones? Thanks all

Questions abound.

Serious question: Why is the portion on the dark side of the moon considered the most dangerous?

Is it just the lack of comms?