As America approaches its 250th anniversary of declaring independence, NASA's Artemis II mission will carry a host of mementos that reflect the nation's long tradition of exploration, innovation, and leadership in its official flight kit.

From a return of humans to lunar orbit, to Japan's first crack at Mars, advanced space travel and exploration is set to continue in 2026.

NASA moved the rocket slated to carry four astronauts around the moon to the launch pad on Saturday, a key step as the Artemis II moon mission nears.

America's next mission to the moon is happening in only a few weeks.

Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.