The mission to take four astronauts around the moon could happen as soon as April 1st.

Nasa has set Wednesday 1 April 2026 as its latest target for the launch of Artemis II, the mission expected to carry astronauts around the Moon for the first crewed lunar voyage since Apollo 17 in 1972.

NASA has said the April 1 date is the first of potentially four launch opportunities for the twice-delayed return to the moon.

NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.

NASA has set a new April 1 launch target for Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years.