NASA Launches Artemis VI Mission to Lunar South Pole Today

NASA successfully launched the Artemis VI mission at 9:45 AM EDT on March 12, 2026, aiming to explore the lunar south pole. This mission marks the first crewed landing in that region, focusing on water ice detection and habitat testing. According to NASA, Artemis VI will last 28 days with a crew of four astronauts. The mission is a key step toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. SpaceX provided the launch vehicle, marking a milestone in public-private space collaboration, Reuters reported.