Artemis II launch sends 4 astronauts on mission around the moon
NASA successfully launched the Artemis II mission, sending four astronauts on a journey around the moon in the first crewed deep space mission since the Apollo era ended in 1972. The mission represents a major milestone in NASA's effort to return humans to lunar exploration. Coverage of the launch was widespread across the political spectrum, with 59 sources reporting on the historic flight.
Left-leaning outlets emphasized the historic nature of the achievement and provided extensive human interest coverage about the astronauts themselves, including practical details about how they would function in space. Coverage focused on the scientific accomplishment and the return to lunar missions after a five-decade gap.
Center and independent sources presented straightforward reporting on the successful launch and mission parameters, with some outlets noting the significance of returning to deep space exploration. Coverage included astronaut perspectives and technical details about the mission objectives.
Right-leaning outlets framed the launch as an American achievement and national accomplishment, with some sources connecting the mission to political leadership and pledges to advance space exploration. Coverage emphasized the historic nature of the return to lunar missions.
Key Differences
- Left outlets generated significantly more coverage (32 sources) compared to right-leaning outlets (19 sources), with center sources providing minimal coverage (8 sources)
- Right-leaning sources explicitly linked the mission to political figures and pledges, while left and center outlets focused primarily on the scientific and historical achievement
- Left-leaning outlets produced more lifestyle and human interest angles about astronaut experiences, while right outlets emphasized national pride and geopolitical significance
Left(34)
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:17 PM
Artemis II launches, sending NASA astronauts on historic mission around the moon
Four astronauts lifted off from Kennedy Space Center, kicking off NASA's Artemis II mission to the moon. Tony Dokoupil, Mark Strassmann, Bill Harwood and Rob Marciano have more.
Business InsiderBApr 2, 12:49 AM
Artemis II launched for its journey around the moon
NASA successfully launches its first lunar mission in decades. Read the original article on Business Insider
CBS NewsBApr 2, 12:29 AM
Former NASA astronaut on what Artemis II astronauts will be doing in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:30 PM
These 4 astronauts are making history on flight around the moon
NASA's Artemis II astronauts — three space station veterans and a Canadian rookie — stand out even in an astronaut corps full of super achievers.
CBS NewsBApr 2, 12:07 AM
How will Artemis II astronauts sleep in space?
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
NBC NewsBApr 1, 2:21 AM
He walked on the moon in 1972. This is his advice for the Artemis II astronauts.
Harrison Schmitt, now 90, was on the Apollo 17 mission — the last time humans visited the moon. On Wednesday, NASA's Artemis II mission aims to kickstart a return.
LA TimesAApr 1, 5:13 PM
NASA will attempt to launch astronauts to the moon today. What to know and how to watch
Live coverage for NASA's Artemis II mission is underway. The mission aims to send humans to the moon for the first time in a half-century.
LA TimesAMar 31, 10:00 AM
How NASA plans to keep Artemis astronauts alive if disaster strikes
NASA's powerful Launch Abort System, designed to outrun an exploding rocket, is the result of years of work from scientists and engineers across the country, including in Southern California's Mojave
CBS NewsBApr 2, 12:04 AM
How do astronauts use the bathroom in space?
The science and technology behind using the restroom in space continues to evolve. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave looks at the out-of-this-world facilities available to t
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:34 PM
Watch: Artemis II launches on historic moon mission | Special Report
The Artemis II mission lifted off on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Tony Dokoupil anchored CBS News' special report on the launch.
NBC NewsBApr 1, 4:03 PM
NASA launches Artemis II rocket on mission to the moon
Watch live coverage as NASA launches the Artemis II rocket carrying four astronauts on a 10-day journey taking them around Earth and the moon. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor G
The GuardianAApr 1, 11:25 PM
Nasa’s Artemis II rocket lifts off for historic moon mission
Mass of spectators cheers dazzling Florida launch as astronauts head to moon for first time in almost 54 years Nasa’s moon rocket Artemis II launched on Wednesday evening, carrying astronauts to the m
CBS NewsBApr 2, 2:01 AM
Artemis II launch live updates as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-and-a-half-day mission around the moon and back. Follow live updates.
The AtlanticAApr 1, 11:00 AM
Photos: Counting Down to the Launch of Artemis II
NASA’s Artemis II—the first mission to carry humans beyond low Earth orbit in more than 50 years—is scheduled to launch on April 1, 2026. The 10-day journey will take four astronauts around the moon a
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:49 PM
Crowds gather to watch Artemis II launch in Florida
As millions around the world watched the Artemis II launch online and on television, thousands gathered around Florida to watch it in person. CBS News' Rob Marciano has more.
Business InsiderBApr 1, 6:15 PM
The Artemis II is the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years. Photos show the US' exploration of the moon through history.
The crew of the Artemis II. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images The Artemis II mission is set to launch on Wednesday. It's the first crewed flight to the moon in over 50 years. Here's a complete history
CBS NewsBApr 2, 12:03 AM
Why the Artemis II crew played cards right before launch
Minutes before departing for the launch pad on Wednesday, the Artemis II crew completed one final task: a game of cards. Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy joins CBS News to discu
CBS NewsBApr 2, 12:02 AM
What comes next for the Artemis II mission?
NASA kicked off a historic lunar mission on Wednesday, sending astronauts farther from Earth than ever before. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
NBC NewsBApr 1, 9:45 PM
'I really like space': Thousands gather to see Artemis II launch
NBC News' Ryan Chandler is at "what feels like the biggest star party on Earth," chatting with people gathered on a pier in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for the Artemis II launch.
NBC NewsBApr 2, 12:27 AM
Parents hope Artemis II launch will inspire their kids
NBC News' Emilie Ikeda speaks with audience members watching the Artemis II launch at the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey.
NBC NewsBApr 1, 7:01 PM
Artemis II crew greets crowds before heading to launch
Artemis II crew greets crowds before heading to launch
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:26 PM
What's the status of the Artemis II rocket?
Four astronauts are on a historic, unprecedented mission around the far side of the moon and back after the Artemis II launched on Wednesday. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute,
NBC NewsBApr 1, 4:41 PM
Launch fever hits Florida as visitors flock to NASA's moon launch
Locals and visitors who came for the moon launch are jockeying for prime spots to see NASA's Artemis II mission lift off, with some resorting to extreme measures.
NBC NewsBApr 1, 11:08 PM
Artemis II successfully launches from Cape Canaveral
Artemis II successfully launches from Cape Canaveral
New York TimesAApr 2, 12:27 AM
When Will NASA’s Artemis II Mission Reach the Moon?
After orbiting Earth, the Orion capsule will carry the astronauts to the moon and arrive by Monday night.
NBC NewsBApr 1, 10:06 PM
How reusable rocket tech could change space missions
NBC News' Gadi Schwartz breaks down how reusable rocket technology has evolved, and how it could lead to a Mars mission in the future.
HuffPostCMar 30, 9:33 PM
NASA Begins Countdown For First Launch To Moon In 53 Years
The 32-story Space Launch System rocket is poised to blast off Wednesday evening with four astronauts. After a day in orbit around Earth, their Orion capsule will propel them to the moon and back.
VoxBApr 1, 11:15 AM
America is going back to the moon
NASA's Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft rest at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. | Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images I have yet to see Project Hail Mary, the buzzy spa
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:29 PM
Here's who's on the Artemis II crew headed toward the moon
The first woman, Black man and Canadian to fly around the moon are on Artemis II, which launched Wednesday evening. Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan has more about the mission.
VoxBApr 1, 9:08 PM
Humanity’s return to the moon is a deeply religious mission
Editor’s Note, April 1, 5:00 pm ET: The interview in this piece was conducted when NASA first revealed the crew for Artemis II in 2023. With the launch now taking place, Vox is republishing the piece.
CBS NewsBApr 1, 11:37 PM
Return to the moon driven by courage and curiosity
"CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil reflects on what got us here as the Artemis II mission kicks off.
The VergeBApr 1, 10:44 PM
NASA launches four astronauts toward the Moon on the Artemis II mission
NASA's Artemis II flight, which is set to take four astronauts toward the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, successfully launched on Wednesday evening. The Artemis II mission, part of NAS
Business InsiderBApr 2, 1:14 AM
Watch the Artemis II launch that sent astronauts back to the moon for the first time since 1972
NASA's Artemis II mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. Joe Skipper/Reuters NASA is sending four astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than half a century. The astr
LA TimesAApr 1, 10:44 PM
NASA launches humans to moon for first time in half-century
NASA launched the Artemis II mission, which will carry humans to the moon for the first time since 1972.
Center(11)
PBS NewsHourAApr 1, 10:30 PM
Artemis II launch sends 4 astronauts on mission around the moon
For the first time in more than 50 years, the United States is sending astronauts back toward the moon. NASA launched Artemis II from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sending a crew of four astron
Al JazeeraBApr 1, 10:39 PM
NASA successfully launches historic Artemis II moon mission
The mission is a major step in NASA’s plan to return humans to the moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.
Al JazeeraBApr 1, 11:09 PM
Watch the moment Artemis II launches historic mission around the moon
NASA successfully launched four astronauts into space on Wednesday evening, for a 10-day flight to the moon.
The HillBApr 1, 5:30 PM
WATCH: NASA’s historic Artemis II successfully lifts off, reaches orbit
Cheers erupted Wednesday at Kennedy Space Center in Florida after NASA's long-awaited Artemis II launched into the sky, embarking on its historic mission to the moon.
The HillBApr 1, 2:43 PM
Mark Kelly on Artemis II mission: ‘This is something we’ve never done before’
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a retired NASA astronaut, said Wednesday that the Artemis II mission to the moon is uncharted territory for American space explorers. “They’re going to go 4,000 miles on th
BBC NewsAApr 1, 7:54 PM
Suited up and ready to go: Watch the Artemis crew's journey to launch
From spacesuit fitting to final communications checks in the rocket, the crew prepared for liftoff to begin their 10-day mission.
AxiosAApr 1, 2:20 PM
NASA's Artemis II Moon mission is set to make space history
Just a few hours remain in the countdown for Artemis II, NASA's mission to return astronauts to lunar orbit for the first time since the Apollo era. The agency's new lunar hopes and dreams are sittin
Al JazeeraBApr 1, 9:20 PM
NASA moon mission a ‘contrast’ to US war on Iran, says US senator
Astronauts have boarded NASA’s Orion capsule as they prepare for the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years.
Associated PressAApr 1, 5:35 PM
NASA's to begin first moon mission in 53 years Wednesday - KBTX News 3
NASA's to begin first moon mission in 53 years Wednesday KBTX News 3
The HillBApr 1, 6:16 PM
Watch live: Artemis II crew set to launch as NASA eyes return to moon
NASA’s Artemis II test flight is set to launch later Wednesday, marking the first crewed mission to head toward the moon in more than five decades. The crew, including U.S. astronauts Reid Wiseman, Vi
Associated PressAApr 1, 7:25 PM
NASA is set to send humans to the moon for the first time since 1972 - FOX5 Vegas
NASA is set to send humans to the moon for the first time since 1972 FOX5 Vegas
Right(21)
BreitbartDApr 2, 12:12 AM
Artemis II Launches After Trump Pledges to Send Astronauts to the Moon Again
Artemis II launched into space on Wednesday hours after President Trump pledged to send U.S. astronauts to the moon. The post Artemis II Launches After Trump Pledges to Send Astronauts to the Moon Aga
Fox NewsCApr 1, 10:37 PM
Artemis II launches astronauts around the moon in first deep space mission since Apollo
NASA's Artemis II crew launched on the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, sending four astronauts around the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Just the NewsCApr 1, 12:00 AM
Watch Live: NASA launches astronauts in Artemis II lunar mission
The spacecraft was expected to launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center at 6:24 p.m. Eastern, but there has been a slight delay, with the countdown expected to resume shortly.
Daily SignalCApr 1, 10:54 PM
LIFTOFF: Successful Artemis II Launch Sends Astronauts Into Deep Space
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration successfully launched four astronauts into deep space for the first time in more than 50 years. Artemis II launched... Read More The post LIFTOFF: Suc
TownhallDApr 2, 12:15 AM
Artemis II Blasts Off, Marking America’s Return to Deep Space
Daily SignalCMar 31, 9:20 PM
The Space Race Is Back: NASA Prepares for Liftoff of Deep Space Exploration Crew
NASA is set to launch four astronauts on a 10-day mission into space. Artemis II will test NASA’s crew capabilities in deep space and gather... Read More The post The Space Race Is Back: NASA Prepares
The Gateway PunditDApr 1, 9:20 PM
WATCH LIVE: Artemis II Launches to Historic 10-Day Mission Around the Moon
Orion spaceship is set to take human beings the farthest distance from Earth ever. The post WATCH LIVE: Artemis II Launches to Historic 10-Day Mission Around the Moon appeared first on The Gateway Pun
Hot AirCApr 1, 6:30 PM
Artemis II Launch Day (Update)
Daily WireCApr 1, 8:33 PM
Artemis Successfully Launched To The Moon. What’s Next?
NASA successfully launched the Artemis II mission Wednesday evening, sending four astronauts on a historic journey toward the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years and a m
Just the NewsCApr 1, 12:00 AM
NASA's Artemis II crew successfully takes off in first lunar mission in over 50 years
Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson told the Artemis crew that “the hopes and dreams of a new generation," are with them as they aim to reach a greater distance from Earth than anyone has befor
ReasonAApr 1, 10:45 PM
Artemis II Launches a New Era of Lunar Exploration
Artemis might return astronauts to the moon, but only after years of delays and a price tag far exceeding the government’s projections.
RedStateDApr 1, 11:04 PM
Breaking: NASA's Artemis II Rocket Blasts Off for Inspiring Moonshot
Daily WireCMar 31, 9:17 PM
The Media Does Not Want To Talk About This Historic NASA Launch. Here’s Why.
On Christmas Eve of 1968, as American soldiers became increasingly involved in a protracted war in a faraway country, and as political assassinations were becoming a regular feature of domestic politi
Daily CallerDApr 1, 10:48 PM
NASA’s Artemis II Launches On Mission Aiming To Go Farther Than Man Has Gone Before
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched at 6:35 p.m. on April 1 from the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. The rocket and Orion spacecraft launched after the 10-minute hold was briefly exten
Washington TimesCApr 1, 10:42 PM
Artemis II astronauts bound for moon after rocketing away on NASA's first lunar voyage in decades
Four astronauts embarked on a high-stakes flight around the moon Wednesday, humanity's first lunar voyage in more than half a century and the thrilling leadoff in NASA's push toward a landing in two y
BreitbartDApr 1, 7:49 AM
NASA's Artemis II Moon Shot Ready to Launch at Cape Canaveral
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- It’s humanity’s first flight to the moon since 1972 and it is all set to launch on Wednesday. The post NASA’s Artemis II Moon Shot Ready to Launch at Cape Canaveral appeared fi
Daily WireCMar 31, 5:00 PM
NASA Mission Is Just Beginning, Heralds Next Steps For Moon And Beyond
For the first time in more than 50 years, NASA is preparing to send astronauts back toward the Moon — marking a dramatic step in a new era of human space exploration. The Artemis II mission, scheduled
National ReviewBMar 28, 10:30 AM
Mars Mission Is the Rocket Fuel NASA Needs
The agency’s new Mars plan reverses the problem of entertaining vendor-driven wish lists that yield little benefit.
The BlazeCApr 1, 2:00 PM
America returns to the moon: How to watch Artemis II launch
NASA is counting down to the launch of Artemis II on Wednesday, the first time in more than 50 years the space agency has sent a crewed mission to the moon. After suffering a series of significant set
The Western JournalDApr 1, 11:23 PM
BREAKING: Artemis II Launch Is Massive Success as America Returns to the Moon for First Time in Over 50 Years
Artemis II blasted into the Florida sky Wednesday night with a thunderous roar to mark the start of America’s first lunar mission in more than 50 years. NASA said an […] The post BREAKING: Artemis II
Washington ExaminerCApr 1, 10:38 PM
Artemis II lifts off with four astronauts on journey to moon and back
NASA‘s Artemis II rocket lifted off on Wednesday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, sending astronauts back into deep space for the first time in 53 years. Crowds cheered as the rocket blasted off from the
Get this analysis in your inbox
The Daily Spectrum: one email, three perspectives on the day's biggest stories.
Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam.