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NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) lifted off on April 1, 2026, carrying the Artemis II crew’s Orion spacecraft on a crewed lunar flyby. The mission ended with a Pacific Ocean splashdown on April 10. SLS is the rocket; Orion is the spacecraft that carried the four astronauts.
When did NASA’s SLS lift off?
SLS launched Artemis II at 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA describes Artemis II as the first crewed Artemis flight and the first crewed trip to the Moon’s vicinity in more than 50 years. The launch itself is complete; this is a look back at the flight and at NASA’s current next step.
What is the Space Launch System?
NASA describes SLS as “a super heavy-lift rocket that provides the foundation for human exploration beyond Earth orbit.” Its job is to launch Orion and cargo; Orion is the crew spacecraft. NASA presents SLS as one element of a broader exploration system that also includes ground systems, suits and rovers, Gateway, and commercial human landing systems. NASA says SLS can send Orion, four astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon in one launch.
The Block 1 rocket that flew Artemis II
NASA’s SLS overview gives the Block 1 vehicle’s height as 322 feet, fueled weight as 5.75 million pounds, and maximum thrust as 8.8 million pounds. NASA says that thrust is 15% greater than Saturn V’s. These are NASA-published figures for Block 1, the configuration used for Artemis I and Artemis II, not independent comparative test results.
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- 1:200 scale 38 super-detailed parts Molded in white Display stand with Artemis logo Clear instructions Decal feature full Artemis II SLS markings Mission sticker Full-color guide to accurately paint the model Built size: approximately 191 inches tall Inspiring original kit box artwork Skill level 2, Ages 10+
How SLS’s stated payload capacity changes by configuration
Payload figures depend on both the rocket configuration and destination. NASA lists Block 1’s capability as 38 metric tonnes (84,000 pounds) to deep space with Orion and crew. For the future Block 2 configuration, NASA lists up to 46 metric tonnes (101,000 pounds) to deep space and 9.4 million pounds of launch thrust, compared with Block 1’s 8.8 million pounds. These are stated capabilities for different configurations; Block 2 is not the vehicle that flew Artemis II. NASA’s overview calls SLS the only rocket able to send Orion, four astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon in a single launch; that is NASA’s stated comparison.
What Artemis I demonstrated
Artemis I was SLS’s first flight and carried an uncrewed Orion. NASA says Orion traveled to an orbit 38,000 miles beyond the Moon, nearly 270,000 miles from Earth. NASA’s post-flight data review found that SLS met or exceeded performance expectations.
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- ICONIC NASA ARTEMIS I ROCKET MODEL KIT - Recreate the historic Artemis I mission with this highly detailed 1:144 scale Space Launch System (SLS)—a must-have for space enthusiasts, collectors, and model builders.
- AUTHENTIC MULTI-STAGE DETAILING - Features twin solid rocket boosters, detailed core stage with external hydrogen lines, separate stage assembly, and four RS‑25 engines for a realistic, true-to-life build.
- IMPRESSIVE 28" DISPLAY CENTERPIECE - Standing nearly 28 inches tall, this model delivers a striking vertical display that commands attention in any room, office, or collection.
- SKILL LEVEL 4 – ADVANCED BUILD EXPERIENCE - Designed for experienced hobbyists ages 12+ seeking a challenging, rewarding project with intricate parts and detailed assembly.
- READY FOR CUSTOM PAINT FINISH - Molded in light gray plastic so you can paint and detail to your exact preferences for a museum-quality appearance. (Paint & glue required, not included.)
What happened on Artemis II?
The four-person crew flew aboard Orion on a crewed lunar flyby and returned to Earth. NASA records the mission duration as 9 days, 1 hour, and 32 minutes. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 5:07 p.m. PDT on April 10 (8:07 p.m. EDT), off the coast of California.
The Artemis II crew
- Reid Wiseman, NASA astronaut and commander
- Victor Glover, NASA astronaut and pilot
- Christina Koch, NASA astronaut
- Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency astronaut
Why the flight mattered
Artemis II was a crewed test flight, not a lunar landing. NASA says the crew and mission teams evaluated Orion systems in deep space, including direct crew operations and tests relevant to later flights. The mission exercised SLS, Orion, and associated ground systems as an integrated system: SLS provided the launch, while Orion carried the crew.
Rank #3
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- PREMIUM SERIES ARTEMIS MOON ROCKET - 3.50 Sheet Model with a Challenging difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 3.30 L x 2.88 W x 7.40 H inches. 115 Pieces. 1:522 Scale.
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
What comes after Artemis II?
NASA’s current plan is for Artemis III in 2027. NASA describes it as a crewed demonstration in low Earth orbit: SLS is to launch four people aboard Orion from Kennedy Space Center for objectives intended to demonstrate systems needed for future lunar landings. NASA says those landings are to begin with Artemis IV. The plan is subject to change; 2027 is NASA’s stated target, not a guaranteed launch date.
In its April 20, 2026, post-flight assessment, NASA said engineers had begun detailed analysis of Orion, SLS, and launch-pad performance, while teams continued preparing for Artemis III.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- READY TO LAUNCH: No assembly required - simply attach an engine (C5-3 recommended) blast off, reaching heights of up to 600 feet! The Estes Space Shuttle is the perfect model rocket for beginners.
- ICONIC DESIGN: This 1:200 scale model faithfully replicates the famous NASA space shuttle and stands at 10.9 inches tall. This iconic workhorse of the American space program soars like the real thing with detachable boosters and gliding orbiter!
- EXPAND YOUR FLEET: Proudly exhibit alongside other iconic Estes 1:200 model rockets such as the Saturn V and SLS models, building your own mini space history museum! Display stand included.
- AGES 10 & UP: NASA’s space shuttle fleet inspired generations, and the Estes Space Shuttle aims to do the same! From the captivating scale replica to the safe and easy flight experience, every element fuels the fire of curiosity and ignites a passion for space in enthusiasts of all ages.
- MODEL ONLY: This listing contains only the space shuttle replica model. For the optimal experience, be sure to purchase Estes C5-3 Engines, recovery wadding, and a launch pad. Enjoy space exploration from the comfort of home!
Rank #4
- NASA rocket model kit – Launch into a creative project with the LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System model building project for adult space fans
- What’s in the box? – This creative building set includes everything you need to craft a multistage rocket with 2 solid-fuel boosters, an Orion capsule and a detailed mobile launch tower
- Features and Functions – This NASA-themed rocket model features retractable launch tower umbilicals, rocket support and crew bridge, detachable solid-fuel boosters and separating rocket stages
- DIY Decor for the home and office – Enjoy an immersive building experience before putting your creation on display for all to explore and enjoy
- Space gift for adults – Treat yourself or give this LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System construction set as a holiday or any-day gift for your favorite space enthusiast
NASA sources
- NASA Artemis II mission page and April 1 launch release for launch details and crew.
- NASA’s April 10 return announcement for splashdown and mission completion.
- NASA’s Space Launch System overview for vehicle descriptions, configuration figures, and stated capabilities.
- NASA’s Artemis III mission page and April 20 post-flight assessment for the current plan and follow-up.
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