Get ready for an inspiring journey beyond Earth! Following last year's record-breaking number of launches and stunning discoveries, 2026 is shaping up to be an absolutely thrilling chapter in humanity's adventure among the stars.

For the first time in more than 54 years, astronauts are training to travel near the Moon, with a launch potentially just weeks away. This remarkable milestone marks a new era of lunar exploration that will bring together the efforts of NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and numerous innovative companies working tirelessly to return humans to the Moon's surface.

Leading this exciting roster is the Artemis II mission, which sits at the top of the year's most anticipated events. The mission is already well underway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft fully assembled and ready. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen are preparing for their historic 10-day flight around the far side of the Moon. With a 90 percent chance of launching this year, possibly as early as February, this mission represents humanity's triumphant return to deep space exploration.

SpaceX continues to push boundaries with ambitious plans for their revolutionary Starship program. The company aims to demonstrate large-scale orbital refueling, a critical technology that will enable journeys beyond low-Earth orbit to both the Moon and eventually Mars. Even more exciting is SpaceX's goal to catch the massive Starship vehicle with mechanical arms upon its return to Earth, moving closer to achieving full reusability—a game-changer that could dramatically reduce the cost of space travel for everyone.

Blue Origin is preparing its own impressive contribution with the Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander, which will become the largest spacecraft ever to touch down on the lunar surface. Standing over 26 feet tall, this magnificent cargo lander represents another significant step toward establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon.

The spirit of innovation extends to new rocket companies as well. Rocket Lab, already a successful launcher of small satellites, is preparing to debut its medium-lift Neutron rocket from Wallops Island, Virginia. Meanwhile, newcomer Stoke Space is working toward its first orbital flight, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the industry.

What makes 2026 truly special is the collaborative energy driving these achievements. Multiple companies and space agencies worldwide are working together, each contributing unique capabilities and perspectives. This collective effort is opening new windows on the universe and bringing the dream of regular human spaceflight closer to reality.

Scientists and engineers are working around the clock to make these ambitious missions successful, and their dedication is paying off. Each launch, each test, and each milestone brings valuable knowledge that benefits future missions and inspires the next generation of space explorers.

As we look forward to this banner year, there's genuine reason for optimism. The technology is maturing, the expertise is growing, and humanity's reach is extending further into the cosmos than ever before. Whether you're a space enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates human achievement, 2026 offers something to celebrate every few months.