UPDATED FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026
ARTEMIS II LAUNCH PUSHED BACK TO MARCH, COSMOSPHERE WATCH PARTY FOLLOWS
Hutchinson, Kan. — The Cosmosphere is sharing an important update regarding its Artemis II Launch Watch Party following NASA’s announcement that the Artemis II mission has shifted to a March launch window between March 6th and March 11th. The new earliest launch opportunity is March 6 at 7:29 PM, pending final mission readiness and weather conditions.
Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program, sending four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and marking humanity’s return to deep space for the first time in more than 50 years. The Cosmosphere plans to host its Launch Watch Party to align with NASA’s confirmed launch attempt once the final date and time are set.
The Launch Watch Party will feature live NASA coverage, interactive and hands-on activities, concessions, and an engaging, space-filled atmosphere for guests of all ages. The evening will also include a special presentation by John Mulnix, JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador, titled “Countdown to Artemis II,” offering insight into the mission and its role in the future of lunar exploration.
VIP tickets for this event are currently sold out. Guests interested in joining the VIP waitlist may email tristyng@cosmo.org for availability updates and additional information.
As with all spaceflight events, launch schedules remain subject to change due to mission readiness, weather, or technical considerations. The Cosmosphere will continue to provide updates as NASA confirms additional details and encourages guests to follow official Cosmosphere communication channels as the March launch window approaches.
The Cosmosphere looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate this historic mission and witness a major milestone in space exploration together
UPDATED JANUARY 30TH, 2026
ARTEMIS II LAUNCH DATE CHANGE, COSMOSPHERE WATCH PARTY FOLLOWS
Hutchinson, Kan. — The Cosmosphere is sharing an important update regarding its upcoming Artemis II Launch Watch Party following a change to NASA’s launch schedule. The Artemis II mission is now targeted to launch on Sunday, February 8 at 10:20 PM CST, and the Cosmosphere’s Watch Party plans have been adjusted to align with this new launch time. The event starts 3-hours prior to launch, please make necessary adjustments to your schedule.
NASA’s Artemis II mission will be the first crewed flight of the Artemis program, sending astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The Cosmosphere invites the community to gather for this historic moment and experience the excitement together with live launch coverage, immersive programming, a special presentation by John Mulnix, JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador, titled “Countdown to Artemis II”, and space-themed activities throughout the evening.
Limited VIP tickets are available for $35 per person and include access to an enhanced experience, exclusive programming and complementary Artemis-themed promotional items. VIP guests will also enjoy reserved seating and premium viewing opportunities as the countdown unfolds.
Additional activities during the Launch Watch Party include a live NASA broadcast of the launch attempt, interactive exhibits, space trivia, and concessions available throughout the night. The event is designed for all ages and offers a memorable way to witness a major milestone in space exploration.
While February 8 at 10:20 PM is the current target, spaceflight schedules can change. The launch date and time remain subject to adjustment due to weather, mission readiness, or technical considerations. The Cosmosphere will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Guests are encouraged to stay connected with the Cosmosphere and NASA through official communication channels and make plans now as launch night approaches.
Registration for this historic event is live, with tickets and more info being available at cosmo.org/upcoming-events.
ORIGINAL POST JANUARY 6TH, 2026
Hutchinson, Kan. — The Cosmosphere is excited to announce an Artemis II Launch Watch Party as NASA prepares for the first crewed Artemis mission around the Moon, marking humanity’s return to deep space for the first time in more than 50 years. Guests are invited to experience an unforgettable evening featuring live coverage, immersive programming, expert presentations, space-themed activities, and a VIP experience.
This free event will be held on the officially scheduled Artemis II launch date, which NASA currently anticipates within a window from Feb 6th to Feb 11th. Launch schedules are dependent on mission readiness, weather, and technical reviews, leaving the exact launch date subject to change or postponement. The Cosmosphere will adjust event timing as needed and provide updates as soon as NASA confirms a targeted launch attempt.
Event highlights will also include a VIP experience with limited tickets available for $35, offering access to a fully immersive environment, complementary Artemis-themed promotional items, and special reserved seating in our Mission Control room for an enhanced viewing experience.
Additional activities include a live NASA broadcast of the Artemis II launch attempt in the Justice Planetarium, hands-on experiences, concessions and dining available throughout the event, family-friendly activities designed to inspire future explorers, and a special presentation by John Mulnix, JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador, titled “Countdown to Artemis II.”
Artemis II will be NASA’s first crewed mission of the Artemis program, sending four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a multi-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. The mission will test critical systems with a human crew and lay the groundwork for future lunar missions, including a return to the Moon’s surface. This launch marks the furthest mankind has ever been from the surface of the Earth in the entirety of human history, breaking an over 50 year record.
Due to the dynamic nature of spaceflight, the Artemis II launch date may shift. The Cosmosphere’s Artemis II Launch Watch Party is planned to align with the official NASA launch attempt, and guests are encouraged to follow NASA and Cosmosphere communication channels for the latest updates as the mission approaches.
Registration for this historic event will be live soon, with tickets and more info being available at cosmo.org/upcoming-events.
To register for the event click here.
To purchase VIP access to the event click here.