HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere will host an Artemis II Launch Watch Party as NASA prepares for the first crewed mission of its Artemis program, sending astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
The free public event will be held on the official Artemis II launch date, which NASA currently anticipates within a window from Feb. 6 to Feb. 11. Because launch schedules depend on mission readiness, weather and technical reviews, the exact date and time remain subject to change. Cosmosphere officials said event timing will be adjusted as needed once NASA confirms a targeted launch attempt.
The watch party will feature live coverage of the launch, immersive programming, expert presentations and space-themed activities. A live NASA broadcast of the Artemis II launch attempt will be shown in the Justice Planetarium, with additional hands-on and family-friendly activities available throughout the evening. Concessions and dining options will also be open during the event.
A limited VIP experience will be available for $35, offering reserved seating in the Cosmosphere’s Mission Control room, an enhanced viewing environment and complimentary Artemis-themed promotional items.
The event will also include a presentation by John Mulnix, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, titled “Countdown to Artemis II.”
Artemis II will be NASA’s first crewed mission of the Artemis program. Four astronauts will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft on a multi-day journey around the moon and back to Earth. The mission is designed to test critical systems with a human crew and help lay the groundwork for future lunar missions, including a return to the moon’s surface.
Cosmosphere officials emphasized that, due to the dynamic nature of spaceflight, the launch date could shift. The watch party is planned to align with NASA’s official launch attempt, and guests are encouraged to follow NASA and Cosmosphere communication channels for the latest updates.
Registration for the event will open soon. Tickets and additional information will be available at cosmo.org/upcoming-events.