Why Artemis 2 isn't landing on the moon — and what comes next

Why won't NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts land on the moon when they get there? | Victor Glover listens to 'Whitey on the Moon' every Monday | Heading to Florida for Artemis 2? Here's what to know Created for znamenski.spacecom@blogger.com | Web Version   March 31, 2026 FOLLOW US FOLLOW US   Taking you out of this world, every day SIGN UP ⋅   WEBSITE   The Launchpad Why won't NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts land on the moon when they get there? Happy Tuesday, space fans! Welcome to your daily dose of space from the Space.com team. Our top story takes a closer look at Artemis 2 and answers the big question: why isn't this mission landing on the moon? But wait, there's more! We've got everything you need to know if you're planning a trip to Florida to watch the launch, a look at where auroras could be visible across 16 U.S. states tonight and a roundup of the best moon movies. See it all (and more!) below. No moon landing?   Artemis 2: NASA's next moonshot Victor Glover listens to 'Whitey on the Moon' every Monday As he prepares to fly around the moon, Victor Glover reflects on a decades-old poem that still resonates today. Why this poem matters Heading to Florida for Artemis 2? Here's what to know Planning to watch Artemis 2 launch in person? Massive crowds are expected on Florida's Space Coast — here's how to prepare and make the most of the experience. Plan your trip Skywatching Northern lights could be visible in 16 states tonight A fast-moving CME could spark northern lights across 16 U.S. states tonight. Here's where to look — and the best times to catch the show. Look up April's full moon decides the date of Easter — here's how Did you know that the timing of Easter depends on the moon? April's full "Paschal Moon" plays a key role in setting the date — and the rules behind it are more complex than you might think. Tuck in Science & Astronomy Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS may be nearly 12 billion years old 3I/ATLAS may be up to 12 billion years old, making it almost as old as the Milky Way. Scientists say this cosmic invader could be a relic from one of the earliest planetary systems. Interstellar relic Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies Astronomers have detected the most distant and powerful "space laser" ever seen, blasting from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away, offering a rare glimpse into the early universe. Pew Pew Entertainment Best moon movies: 12 lunar adventures to watch Need something lunar to watch before Artemis 2 launches? Here are 12 moon movies worth adding to your watchlist. Check them out Star Wars Darth Maul almost led the sequels — here's why it didn't work What if Darth Maul had been the main villain of 'Star Wars' sequels? Before George Lucas stepped away, that was exactly the plan. Here's why it might not have worked. Read Maul Today in Space Artemis 2 astronauts reveal adorable zero-g indicator 'Rise' Meet "Rise", the adorable zero-gravity indicator flying aboard Artemis 2. This plush moon mascot won't just hitch a ride around the moon; it has an important job to do. Meet Rise Editor's Note Have a stellar Tuesday! That's it for today's space highlights — but things are just heating up ahead of Artemis 2. Keep looking up! Daisy Dobrijevic Reference Channel Editor, Space.com Stay up-to-date on all things space science, news, and entertainment by subscribing to our newsletters. Sign Up   Follow SPACE Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions When you purchase through links in our content, we may earn an affiliate commission.   Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036