
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
NASA's Artemis program represents the most ambitious human spaceflight effort since Apollo, aiming not only to return astronauts to the moon but also to establish a long-term presence that will pave the way for crewed Mars exploration.
The hardware that will fly the astronauts moonward includes two 177-foot-tall (54 meters) twin boosters that are the backbone of the giant Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's launch power. Recently, the two boosters that will fly on the Artemis 2 mission had an "America 250" emblem painted on their sides, in honor of the upcoming. 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
What is it?
Artemis 2, scheduled to launch in early 2026, will be the first crewed mission of the program. Over a 10-day journey, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, will travel around the moon and return to Earth. Their mission will test Artemis systems, procedures and spacecraft in preparation for future lunar landings.
Artemis 2 relies on two key vehicles: SLS, which is NASA's most powerful rocket to date, and the Orion spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts safely beyond low Earth orbit. Inside NASA's iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, these elements come together through a massive, carefully choreographed preparation effort.
Where is it?
The image was taken from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC.
Why is it amazing?
For Artemis 2, the "America 250" represents NASA's celebration of the anniversary under the theme "Spirit of Innovation." Just as the U.S. was founded on bold ideas and transformative thinking, Artemis 2 embodies a new era of exploration that looks outward, to the moon, Mars and beyond.
Seeing the emblem on the boosters connects technological progress with national heritage, according to NASA. It serves as a reminder that spaceflight, for all its complexity, is also a cultural project, one that captures imagination, inspires generations and reflects shared aspirations.
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about the Artemis program and upcoming Artemis 2 launch.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
IDF Givati Brigade soldier arrested, charged in suspected Iran espionage14.01.2026 - 2
Famous Places to get-away for Americans05.06.2024 - 3
New hybrid mpox strain discovered in UK after US reports local spread10.12.2025 - 4
Figure out how to Guarantee Your Dental Embeds Endure forever19.10.2023 - 5
Careful Nurturing: Techniques for Bringing up Tough Children01.01.1
Elanco's drug gets emergency nod to treat deadly flesh-eating parasite in cats
Nikki Glaser returns as host of the 2026 Golden Globes: Everything the comedian has said about the upcoming awards show
Flu cases skyrocket in US. See cases, where people got sick.
Iran denies launching ballistic missiles towards Kurdistan region of Iraq
The Manual for Decent European Urban communities in 2024
‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty
Space Condos to Lift Your Metropolitan Living
Voting begins in Uganda’s presidential election during internet shutdown and polling station delays
I'm a hypnotherapist who helps day traders who are losing money. Here's why I think hypnosis works.












