Artemis II Launch Party

  • Friday, March 06, 2026
  • 7:30pm - 11:00pm
  • Downtown Raleigh
A graphic with images of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, secured to the mobile launcher, are seen at Launch Pad 39B, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next to that is Artemis II Crew Poster with images of four astronauts looking left in orange spacecuits and helmets with a large full moon in the background. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Credit NASA/Joel Kowsky

Join us as we cheer on Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed Moon Mission in more than 50 years. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, as well as Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, will become the first people to return to the Moon since Apollo 17. Celebrate North Carolina’s own astronaut, Christina Koch, as she becomes the first woman to orbit the Moon.

Be a part of this moment in human history! Our watch party features:

  • A live broadcast of the Artemis II launch.
  • Live video call with NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors from the launch site at Kennedy Space Center.
  • Remarks from local NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors and the Raleigh Astronomy Club.

Registration is required. Space is limited. Launch date and time are subject to change by NASA. Current launch windows are between 8PM–1AM on select dates through April. Register now to secure your spot and receive watch party details and go/no-gos via email.

REGISTER NOW


NASA Astronaut Christina Koch stands in front of the Daily Planet Theater, wearing a blue NASA suit.

NC Astronaut Christina Koch

Koch attended North Carolina State University where she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering and physics and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering, as well as an Honorary PhD. She attended high school at the North Carolina School of Science and Math in Durham and White Oak High School in Jacksonville. Learn more about her NASA and Space Flight experience.


FAQs

Is a live launch guaranteed?
No. Launch opportunities for NASA’s Artemis II mission open March 6 and continue through April. A decision will not be made on the first date to attempt launch until system checks are complete. As teams evaluate the rocket, spacecraft, ground systems and crew, they will gain the information necessary to formalize a date in the available windows. Launch opportunities also depend on orbital mechanics – the Moon must be in just the right position for the mission’s planned trajectory.

What happens if the launch is postponed?
A launch attempt will be made the following evening.
Will I receive updates if plans change?

We will notify all registrants by email if plans change in advance of the launch. The launch could be postponed after everyone arrives and takes their seats. This is the nature of space travel and is out of the control of Museum staff.

Will I need to register again if the launch is postponed?

No. Your initial registration will cover every opportunity to watch the launch with us at the Museum.

Details

Details

Date:
March 6
Times:
7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Venue

Downtown Raleigh
11 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601 United States
Phone:
919.707.9800

Organizer

Chris Smith
919.707.9296