(NEXSTAR) - NASA announced the Artemis II mission to ferry astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years, could launch earlier than expected.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator Lakiesha Hawkins said the mission, scheduled to launch no later than April 2026, could launch as soon as Feb. 5, 2026.

"When we are ready to safely launch, we are going to accelerate as much as we can," Hawkins said.

The NASA SLS Rocket and Orion Capsule will carry four astronauts — three American and one Canadian. NASA engineers said it would need 8.8 million pounds of thrust to lift off. Once the astronauts get into orbit, NASA said the crew will practice maneauvers with the capsule. Then, in the middle of the night, the crew will get a wakeup call to set the course for the moon.

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