April 10, 2026
On April 1, 2026, the Artemis II launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was watched by millions as the four astronauts headed towards the moon. With this mission, NASA is taking the science of living and working in space beyond low Earth orbit. While the test flight will help confirm the systems and hardware needed for human deep space exploration, the crew is also serving as both scientists and volunteer research subjects, conducting lunar observations and participating in a suite of experiments that will allow NASA to better understand how human health may change in deep space environments.1
NASA's Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen (pictured below) are the Artemis II astronauts. They also have Rise with them, a small plush mascot that has acted as the zero gravity indicator for when the spacecraft reached micro-gravity, even though the four astronauts were still strapped into their seats.
From amazing images, funny moments, and lots of "moon joy," it's been an exciting 10 days of exploration by these accomplished professionals. We are excited to welcome the crew back to Earth after their mission!
Inspired by the Artemis II mission? Tell your librarian what you would like to learn more about! We would love to help you find books on space for all reading levels. Currently, each Mobile Library bus is displaying a variety of books on different topics about space. From naming Constellations to previous space missions, we have a book for it!
1Artemis II Science - NASA. (2025, September 16). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis-ii-science/
Go For Liftoff!
Find out what it takes to become an astronaut--from someone who knows!
How many kids aspire to become an astronaut one day? Wouldn't it be great to float in space and do neat experiments? But before all the "fun" begins, it takes an incredible amount of hard work to prepare oneself for the ride of a lifetime. Before they are sent to space, astronauts have to go through spacecraft systems training, wilderness training, underwater training, roller coaster-like flight training, and teamwork training, not to mention science, technology, medical, engineering, and math training. Training for flight also depends on being prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally, having the right attitude and learning to deal with problems calmly. Dr. Dave speaks from experience when he describes what it's like to live underwater for weeks at a time, experience free-floating in micro gravity in the "Vomit Comet," or catch and eat bugs during wilderness training.
With its first-hand photos and amusing illustrations, Go for Lift Off is the go-to book for aspiring astronauts.
Moonstruck: Poems About Our Moon
A young reader' anthology of moon poems to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Popular American writers of poetry for children are represented, including Eric Ode, Cynthia Grady, BJ Lee and Robert Schechter. 20 new poems about the moon from well-known and up-and-coming poets are combined with 20 classic poems with a moon theme. The classics include poems Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) and Amy Lowell (1874-1925) and the traditional American children's rhyme 'The Man in the Moon' is of course also to be found here! This is an inspirational and beautifully illustrated anthology that will spark children's imaginations and celebrate our solar system in the 50th anniversary year of the moon landing in July 1969.
Constellations Sky lights
This book teaches readers about what constellations are, who discovered them long ago, who named them, the Zodiac, and more. The book is complete with labeled images when needed, simple text, and more facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Kids Jumbo is an imprint of Abdo Kids, a division of ABDO.
The Astronaut Diaries: Journal of Andi Futura, aged 11 1/2
Andi Futura, her older brother and their parents are about to become the first family in space. and she's sharing everything she learns while living aboard a space station with YOU! Discover what life in space is really like in this fascinating read authored by real-life astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. Andi's diary entries share the fun of slow cartwheeling around a space station and watching 16 sunrises and sunsets every day, while her reports to mission control will have you learning about how conducting science experiments in space can help humanity.
Space Case: The Graphic Novel
For twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson, living on the moon is a dream come true. Except for the low-gravity lunar toilets. And the food. And the part where his best friend lives about 250,000 miles away. And how there are almost no other kids up here, except for his kid sister and a couple of billionaire bullies. Oh, right, and the fact that a fellow lunarnaut just died--and only Dashiell knows that his death wasn't an accident.
Plenty of people on the moon base are hiding something, but which of them are capable of murder? It's up to Dashiell to figure it out--before the killer strikes again.
I See the Moon: Rhymes for Bedtime
A beautifully illustrated collection of favorite rhymes for little ones preparing for bedtime. Rosalind Beardshaw's artwork features wonderful natural scenes, with adorable sleepy animals and babies ready to be lulled to sleep.
Includes: "I See the Moon," "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Hush-a-Bye, Baby," "Golden Slumbers," "Bed in Summer," "Star Light, Star Bright," "Girls and Boys Come Out to Play," "Hush, Little Baby," and "Good Night, Sleep Tight"