Artemis II: NASA’s plan for the Moon and beyond

Artemis II: NASA’s plan for the Moon and beyond

Author: The Times April 1, 2026 Duration: 33:52

The countdown has begun for the launch of NASA's Artemis II mission around the Moon, the first manned mission there in more than 50 years. Their voyage around our nearest neighbour will pave the way for a lunar landing and, eventually, a Moon base. But why is there suddenly rekindled interest in moon exploration, and could this bring humans toward the ultimate goal of reaching Mars?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: 

  • Scott Kelly, retired NASA astronaut.
  • Kaya Burgess, science and religious affairs correspondent for The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana

Producer: Julia Webster

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: Artemis II: mission to the Moon

Further listening: The Epstein Files, AI journalism and the future of truth - The Sunday Story

Clips: NASA, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, PBS, Space Age Archive, Associated Press, CriticalPast, Cosmosphere.

Photo: Kathia Mestanza, Getty Images.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Story
Podcast Episodes
The State of It: Can Labour survive a big Green victory? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:02
The end of Britain’s political duopoly now looks complete, as Labour suffers a catastrophic by-election defeat to the Greens in Gorton and Denton. Reform comes second, while the Tories lose their deposit with just 2% of…
We have a favour to ask [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24
Today we're launching The Story's first ever listener survey!Find it here: The Story surveyAnd thank you!This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital…
Inside England’s maternity scandal, part two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:53
After a six-month-long investigation into maternity care in England, the government has published its initial findings. The report reveals a catalog of failures at 12 NHS trusts – from inadequate staffing and poor facili…
Q&A: Andrew's right royal mess, continued [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:27
First Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested, then Peter Mandelson. The fallout has been swift, dramatic, and is still unfolding. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones answer your biggest questions about the two men and wha…
The biggest shake-up of special educational needs in a decade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
On Monday, the government released its plan to reform SEND, the system that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities, in England. It’s used by around one in five children and Keir Starmer is prom…
Four years of war: can Ukraine continue to defy Putin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:49
Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is still fighting – but the strain is visible. How has the conflict changed since those first days of war? Why would a free and fair election in Ukraine be so difficu…
Broken trust: Inside England's maternity scandal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:30
Over the past decade, thousands of families say they have been failed by England's maternity services. With a review into 12 NHS trusts due to publish its interim findings this week, we hear from some of those affected.…
Jesse Jackson: Civil rights trailblazer - The Sunday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
Jesse Jackson, the civil rights firebrand, preacher, and two-time presidential candidate rose from segregated South Carolina to the front lines of America’s fight for justice. Marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr., J…
Andrew is arrested [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied all wrongdoing. This is the first time a member of the royal family has been arrested since the English Civil War in…