The top-6 space missions to watch out for after Artemis II

Artemis II might be making all the headlines, but it's not the only major mission set to launch in 2026

- by EZZY PEARSON

It's an exciting time to be a space fan!

If Artemis II launches in March (having been pushed back from a February launch due to fuelling issues), humans will be going back to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. The goal of the mission isn't to land on the lunar surface, but to take its crew of four on a figure-of-eight flightpath around our nearest celestial neighbour and return them safely.

Its success will pave the way for Artemis III, which should make a lunar landing and see the first woman set foot on the Moon. Artemis III won't launch until 2027, but you won't have to wait until then to get your next fix of space-exploration excitement.

There's a whole host of missions launching between now and then, from a new super space telescope to a daring mission to Mars. After Artemis II, these are six of the most exciting missions set to blast off in 2026.

1 CHANG'E 7

Artemis II isn’t the only mission heading to the Moon this year. In August, the China National Space Administration is expected to send its latest lander, Chang’e 7, to the lunar surface.

It’s bound for the lunar south pole, a region that’s gained a lot of interest in recent years after signs of water ice were found in the permanently shadowed corners of deep craters there.

This ice has remained untouched for billions of years and could answer key questions about what the Solar System looked like when it was younger, as well as being a potential resource for future lunar explorers.

The plan is for Chang’e 7 to land on the rim of Shackleton Crater, right next to the lunar south pole. There, it will deploy its small solar-powered rover, which will work with the main lander to search the surrounding area for signs of water.