Heesen Yachts  has confirmed its return to the Palm Beach International Boat Show, taking place from March 25–29, 2026, where the shipyard will showcase the 55-meter motor yacht, Laurentia. Delivered in 2017, Laurentia is a 740 GT steel-hulled vessel that exemplifies the shipyard’s commitment to "quiet luxury." The yacht features clean, muscular exterior lines by Omega Architects, engineered without fashion plates to provide guests with entirely uninterrupted views of the horizon. Built on Heesen’s signature Fast Displacement Hull Form, she offers a top speed of 16.6 knots and an impressive transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots. The interior, designed by the Palm-Beach based studio RADYCA, focuses on a calm, contemporary aesthetic. The layout emphasizes open social spaces and a sophisticated palette of soft textures and warm tones, designed to support long periods of relaxation and entertainment on board. Key Specifications: Accommodation:  12 guests across six staterooms, including a full-beam owner’s suite and a full-beam VIP suite. Design:  Exterior by Omega Architects; Interior by RADYCA. Performance:  16.6 knots max speed; 4,500nm range at 13 knots. Engineering:  Fast Displacement Hull Form for enhanced efficiency and stability. Laurentia stands as a testament to precision engineering and understated elegance, making it a must-see for attendees at this year’s show in West Palm Beach. By ML Staff. Photos: Jeff Brown.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami  (BBBS Miami) announced that its premier annual fundraiser, the Dream BIG Gala, will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The event, held at the JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., supports high-impact mentorship and educational programs for youth across Miami-Dade. This year’s gala marks the launch of the “We all have a Little in common” campaign, emphasizing how shared connections foster meaningful mentorship. The evening features entertainment by DJ Irie and serves as a gathering for community leaders and philanthropists dedicated to youth development. New Initiatives and Program Impact The 2026 gala highlights a new partnership with POSSIBLE Miami through the debut of "BIG Possibilities." This youth development program introduces participants to marketing, storytelling, and leadership through hands-on experiences. Proceeds from the gala fund several no-cost initiatives for local families: One-to-One Mentoring:  Community and school-based matches. Bigs in Blue:  Strengthening community ties through law enforcement mentorship. Career Readiness:  Programs focused on STEAM, the arts, and workforce development. Gale Nelson, President and CEO of BBBS Miami, stated that the gala acts as a vital catalyst for providing children with the guidance needed to reach their full potential. The event is presented by CNW Courier Network and receives support from organizations including Ryder Systems , Carnival Corporation , and City National Bank . These contributions help maintain mentorship services that promote academic achievement and long-term success for South Florida’s youth. Community members interested in tables or sponsorship opportunities can coordinate through the official gala website . By ML Staff. Photos: BBBS Miami

“Summer lovin’ had me a blast.”   Starting Friday, May 15,  CityPlace Doral  is sealed with sunshine with the debut of its “Summer Lovin’,” free, seasonal art installation. “Summer Lovin’” transforms the Center into a vibrant, photo-ready escape through Aug. 16, 2026, bringing a playful expression of love and color to the heart of Doral.   Love at first sight! Upon entering CityPlace Doral, visitors will be greeted by 186 custom-made overhead hearts, overhead above the boulevard in a mix of red, pink, yellow and purple hues. Designed by Gilded Group Decor, the sweeping display sets the tone for a summer of love and Instagrammable moments. Guests can capture a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity in front of an oversized heart-shaped lock.    The Oasis experience in the Center’s Fountain Plaza will be adorned with a custom-built bridge that takes the installation to new heights. The structure features four walkable bridges and a center platform, each bridge side panel finished in a different color to mirror the hearts overhead. Fencing along each panel invites guests to hang their own love locks, creating a living, ever-growing display that builds throughout the summer.   The Oasis experience at CityPlace Doral’s Fountain Plaza features a relaxing, open-air atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy grab-and-go bites from CityPlace Doral’s restaurants and enjoy South Florida’s weather. The Oasis incorporates Adirondack chairs, tables, umbrellas and oversized games such as chess, cornhole, Connect Four and more.   As a nod to the beloved love-lock tradition that anchors the entire “Summer Lovin'” experience, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive heart-shaped locks throughout the installation, thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories.    “Summer Lovin'” runs May 15 through Aug. 16. The installation is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to snap a photo, tag @CityPlaceDoral and share their moments from the installation throughout the season.   CityPlace Doral is located at 8300 NW 36th Street, Doral, Florida 33166. Parking is available for an additional charge in the parking garage. Valet service is also available. For more information, please visit  https://cityplacedoral.com/events . By ML Staff. Photos: City Place Doral

Subaru of Pembroke Pines , in partnership with the City of Pembroke Pines, hosted a tree donation and planting event on Thursday, April 2, at Spring Valley Park / William B. Armstrong Park in celebration of Subaru Loves Earth® Month, part of the Subaru Love Promise® commitment to supporting communities and the environment.   The initiative brought together city officials, community members and representatives from Subaru of Pembroke Pines to enhance one of the city’s recently redeveloped green spaces through the donation and planting of trees. The effort supports increased shade coverage, improved aesthetics and expanded habitat for local wildlife within the park. The initiative reflects Subaru of Pembroke Pines’ ongoing commitment to the  Subaru Love Promise® , which focuses on creating a positive impact through meaningful community partnerships.   A total of six trees were donated as part of the initiative, including two sweetbay magnolias, two crape myrtles and two bald cypress, selected for their durability and ability to thrive in South Florida’s climate. The trees were delivered the day of the presentation and staged in advance, with the City’s public works team assisting with site preparation and placement ahead of a ceremonial planting.   City officials, including District Commissioner Maria Rodriguez, and representatives from Subaru of Pembroke Pines were in attendance. The event featured a ceremonial planting, along with photo opportunities and a commemorative moment marking the partnership between Subaru of Pembroke Pines and the City. A plaque was installed on-site to commemorate the donation.    “At Subaru of Pembroke Pines, supporting the communities we serve is central to our mission, and initiatives like this allow us to make a lasting environmental impact,” said Alain De Rougemont, general manager of Subaru of Pembroke Pines. “Through our partnership with the City of Pembroke Pines and Subaru Loves Earth®, we’re proud to help enhance this green space with new trees that will provide shade, beauty and environmental benefits for residents to enjoy for years to come.   Originally reopened in August 2025, Spring Valley Park / William B. Armstrong Park features walking paths, exercise stations, a playground and a waterfront venue area. The addition of new trees further enhances the park’s usability and long-term environmental value.   This effort is part of Subaru Loves Earth®, one of the core pillars of the Subaru Love Promise®, a commitment by Subaru and its retailers to show love and respect through actions that support people, pets and the planet. By ML Staff. Photos: Subaru Loves Earth

Several Miami cultural institutions have announced new film, music and family programming for spring and early summer 2026, highlighting local arts venues and community based initiatives. World Premiere of “An Instrumental Start” at Miami Film Festival The Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center will be featured in the world premiere of the documentary An Instrumental Start: A Model for the Nation at the Miami Film Festival on Friday, April 10, 2026. A red carpet reception is scheduled for 7:00 pm, followed by the premiere screening at 8:00 pm and a post screening discussion with the directors. Directed by Brian Bayerl and Michael Huter, the film examines the role of arts education at the Center and its influence on generations of young artists and the surrounding community. Alumni and arts leaders including Robert Battle, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Phylicia Rashad and Savion Glover describe how community based arts programs can support emerging talent. The screening will take place at the Historic Olympia Theater in Miami. Presented by Miami Dade College, the Miami Film Festival runs April 9 to 19, 2026 and showcases new work from emerging and established filmmakers. Red carpet attire is recommended for attendees. Tickets for the world premiere are available through the Miami Film Festival website, and a VIP promotional code offers discounted admission. Tribute to Charles Aznavour at Koubek Center José Negroni and Miami-Dade County Auditorium will present A Cien Años de Charles Aznavour on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:00 pm at the Koubek Center in Miami, featuring Puerto Rican vocalist Fidel Osorio. Three time Latin Grammy nominee pianist and composer José Negroni will lead an ensemble in a program honoring the life and work of Charles Aznavour, with Osorio interpreting material associated with performers such as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The concert is part of Miami-Dade County Auditorium’s Away From Home Series, which presents off site events while the venue undergoes renovations. Tickets for the tribute concert can be purchased online through Eventbrite . All Kids Included Family Arts Festival Marks 20 Years The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, with support from The Children’s Trust and The Taft Foundation, will present the 20th anniversary All Kids Included Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Moss Center in Cutler Bay. The free, multi disciplinary festival is designed for children and families with and without disabilities and will include music and dance performances, sensory inclusive main stage presentations of Doodle Pop, and resource offerings for attendees. Accessibility features will include American Sign Language interpretation, assistive listening, noise cancelling headsets, closed captions, large print, Braille, audio description, sensory inclusive programs and a quiet room. Tickets are free and will be available beginning April 4, with general admission on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made through the Moss Center site , and parking will be available on site. Caleb Around Town Series Prepares for Gospel Concert The Joseph Caleb Auditorium has launched its Caleb Around Town series with a Birth of Jazz concert at the Joseph Caleb Center, pairing spoken word artist Rebecca “Phoenix” Vaughns with The Harden Project in a midday performance. The series is intended to engage neighborhood audiences ahead of the venue’s grand reopening and to highlight local music and dance performers who will appear on its stage. An upcoming concert titled Birth of Gospel Music in America is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 4:00 pm at Bethel Apostolic Temple in Miami. The program will recognize the work of Thomas A. Dorsey and feature Grammy nominated Johnny Sanders, Faith on Full Ensemble, Francine Ealey Murphy and storyteller Crystal Walker. Tickets for the gospel concert are available through Eventbrite . By ML. Photo(s)/Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has officially announced the awardees of the 2026 Knight Arts + Tech Fellowship. This annual initiative supports five pioneering media artists with unrestricted grants of $50,000 each, recognizing their innovative approaches to technology and new media. Work samples of 2026 Knight Arts + Tech Fellows The 2026 cohort represents a diverse range of practices—from computational media and performance to sound and immersive installation. These artists are united by a commitment to reimagining technology as a social, cultural, and embodied system. Notably, this year’s fellows include the Miami-based artist duo LIZN'BOW, further highlighting South Florida's growing influence in the digital arts space. The 2026 Knight Arts + Tech Fellows LIZN'BOW (Miami, FL):  LIZN’BOW (Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty) are a collaborative duo whose practice spans performance, video, music, immersive installation, and new media. Rooted in pop aesthetics and cultural critique, their work constructs environments that operate simultaneously as installations, performances, and digital interfaces. Miguel Novelo (San Jose, CA):  Miguel Novelo is an interdisciplinary artist and researcher whose work combines computational media with philosophical inquiry. Novelo’s artistic expressions include sculptures, interactive moving images, and immersive installations that make use of computer vision, custom software, photogrammetry, and game engines. Rhonda Holberton (San Jose, CA):  Rhonda Holberton is a new media artist whose multimedia installations integrate digital and interactive technologies with traditional methods of art production. Through these works, Holberton uses materials and platforms that physically connect human bodies via technology, revealing how the signals of digitally engineered worlds have tangible, destabilizing effects on our planet. Taeyoon Choi (Detroit, MI):  Taeyoon Choi is an artist, writer, and educator who explores the poetics of technology and human relations. He works with images, text, and code, oftentimes in collaboration with fellow artists, experts, and community members. Wesley Taylor (Detroit, MI):  Wesley Taylor is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice combines installation, video art, and sound to make a world. His decades-long practice hones the lessons and sharpens sensibilities learned from Detroit artists who came before him, shaping his craft of sampling, referencing and recontextualizing to demonstrate themes of placemaking, histories of entanglement with the present and the future, and the necessity of Black imagination. The 2026 Knight Arts + Tech Fellows (Left to Right): LIZN'BOW, Miguel Novelo, Rhonda Holberton, Taeyoon Choi, and Wesley Taylor. Photos courtesy of the artists. Since its launch in 2021, the Knight Arts + Tech Fellowship has supported 25 artists. The program remains grounded in storytelling, speculative thinking, and community engagement, providing creators with the resources needed to further their disciplines and explore the capacity of technology to shape human environments. By ML Staff. Photos: Knight Foundation.

The Betsy Hotel  will host its third annual event inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “The Ballad of Sam Solomon,” on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The gathering, held in the B Bar from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., honors the legacy of Black resistance and the 1939 movement of Black voters who challenged segregation and Klan threats in Miami. The program combines poetry, music, and historical reflection to celebrate civil rights activist Sam Solomon and the collective power of Miami’s Black community. Guests will experience an evening designed to connect local history with contemporary creative expression. Evening Program and Performances The event begins with a registration period featuring live music inspired by Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane. During this time, attendees are encouraged to use provided writing prompts to prepare for the later open mic session. The scheduled program includes: Historical Grounding:  Insights provided by Nadege Green. Poetry Readings:  Arsimmer McCoy will perform selections from The Ballad of Sam Solomon  and 9 Decades . Visual Arts:  An orb projection created by Nadege Green and Chris Friday. Open Mic:  Invited poets will perform backed by a live band, followed by contributions from the community. Legacy of Sam Solomon Central to the evening is the story of Sam Solomon and the organized efforts of Black residents in 1939 to claim their right to vote despite systemic intimidation. The event, led by Corey Davis and the event team, aims to keep this spirit of resilience active through communal art and dialogue. Interested participants and attendees can find more information and register through the official event link . By ML Staff. Photos: The Betsy Hotel

New World Symphony is introducing Neon Nights at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center in Miami Beach, presenting an intimate chamber music series with two performances each evening on April 10 and April 11. The program offers a multisensory experience that traces 250 years of chamber music, from Bach to Bernstein. Audience members are seated in relaxed configurations at private tables surrounding the stage, allowing close interaction with the musicians while a neon installation above the hall shifts in response to the music. Each night features performances at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with capacity limited to 180 guests per concert and tickets starting at $100. Ticketing information is available on the NWS site . In addition to Neon Nights, New World Symphony is presenting The Yellow Wallpaper in Concert , an evening of music and storytelling inspired by Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story. The program combines immersive visual projections with works by Anna Clyne, Igor Stravinsky and Jörg Widmann, along with the world premiere of a new composition, and is currently sold out. Visitors can also tour New World Center, Gehry’s only Florida commission. Docent-led tours are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m., cost $10 per person and last approximately 45 to 60 minutes, with advance booking required. Details about Neon Nights, The Yellow Wallpaper in Concert and tour reservations can be found on the New World Symphony website . By ML. Photo(s)/New World Symphony

The Miami HEAT have opened an online fan survey that will give participants a chance to win a signed team jersey. Fans can complete the HEAT fan survey online to enter the sweepstakes. The deadline to enter is Friday, April 17, 2026 at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET, after which no additional entries will be accepted. Participants are encouraged to review the official sweepstakes rules before entering. By ML. Photo(s)/Miami HEAT

Prada has introduced a new selection of men's sandals and mules geared towards the summer season, focusing on elegance combined with everyday comfort. The new pieces feature lightweight silhouettes crafted through artisanal processes, striking a balance between a sophisticated look and comfortable wear in warmer weather. The collection highlights soft gathers and woven details that evoke the natural textures of summer, applied to versatile mules with a casual and contemporary character. The complete selection of men's sandals can be found on the Prada website, which also features the latest arrivals for both women and men. By ML. Photo(s)/Prada

At Miami Living, we care deeply about animals, which is why we wanted to share this story with you. It explores the evolving role of animals on Hollywood sets — from the classic canine and equine stars of the past to the rise of CGI and digital effects today—and asks an important question: do animals have a future in the film industry? Kojirou Sasaki - Unsplash There is a long and storied history of nonhuman actors, from Luke , the dog of silent star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, to the collies cast in the role of Lassie in film and on television. Bart the Bear racked up over 20 film and TV credits in the 1980s and 1990s, while countless horses have supported period dramas that now saturate streaming services. But business has not been as good as it used to be for the animal trainers who specialize in renting creatures of all kinds to film and TV productions. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it’s a trend that’s been building for at least 25 years, and it’s largely due to a mix of activism and technological advances, which I’ve observed in my studies of animals on screen . Fewer roles to go around Hollywood’s adoption of visual effects – also referred to as computer generated imagery, or CGI – has had an outsized role in putting many animal actors out of work. Ever since “Jurassic Park” (1993) dared to comingle CGI dinosaurs with human actors , more and more digital animals have appeared alongside humans on screen. Other factors have accelerated the trend. The COVID-19 pandemic , the 2023 Hollywood actors and writers strikes and a recent dip in the number of new TV series being greenlit have meant fewer productions and fewer roles to go around, whether they’re written for humans or animals. But even before these recent events, there were calls for Hollywood to radically reduce its dependence on animal actors. In 2012, The Hollywood Reporter – the same trade magazine that recently lamented a downturn in animal rentals – published an exposé cataloging incidents in which animals died, were injured or were put at grievous risk on sets. These productions nonetheless went on to carry the famous “ No Animals Were Harmed ” credit awarded by the American Humane Association, despite the fact that, well, animals were harmed. American Humane maintained that the incidents were tragic but not the result of negligence. In 2016, PETA released the results of undercover investigations documenting substandard living conditions and untreated medical conditions at Birds & Animals Unlimited, which operates animal training facilities for film and television. In 2024, the organization detailed neglect of animals in the care of Atlanta Film Animals . Both companies denied the allegations. There are, of course, any number of ways to minimize or avoid using actual animals in film and TV altogether. “The Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and its sequels have used motion-capture , with humans performing the movements of characters later rendered as chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orangutans. For Ang Lee’s 2012 production “ Life of Pi ,” visual effects artists created thousands of virtual animals, while director Darren Aronofsky opted for completely digital animals, supplemented by some practical props , in 2014’s “ Noah .” Bucking high-tech trends, the 2025 horror film “ Primate ” went old school without reverting to real animals, deploying a movement artist in a costume and prosthetics to play a murderously rabid chimp. The 2025 horror flick ‘Primate’ doesn’t deploy CGI or an animal actor, but instead uses a costumed human to portray the maniacal ape. Can CGI numb viewers to animal violence? What do digital animals, these bestial avatars, make possible? Undoubtedly, there are trainers who care deeply for their charges and uphold best practices in animal husbandry. But it stands to reason that the fewer captive animals, the better, and recent advances in AI have made visual effects and CGI even more realistic and easier to model . However, substituting flesh-and-blood animals with those made of pixels seems to have created a canvas for unfettered abuse . Consider the brutal violence of the “Planet of the Apes” reboots , which include hand-to-hand combat, branding and a torturous crucifixion scene. In the past, the fact that the animals on set were real sometimes curbed filmmakers’ most savage impulses; violence was implied or took place off-screen in family fare like “ The Yearling ” (1946) and “ Old Yeller ” (1957). At the same time, camera tricks and props have been used to create scenes of animal cruelty in many films, from “ American Psycho ” (2000) to “ John Wick ” (2014). While the effects of violent media on viewers are notoriously hard to study, some evidence suggests that some audiences can become desensitized to the real-world consequences of unhealthy and violent content. It’s easy to see how this desensitization could extend to watching cruelty toward animals on screen. Viewers can still sniff out the virtual A hybrid approach to portraying animals on screen seems to have taken hold, using what one scholar has called – in a reference to on-screen dogs – “ composite canine performances .” The team behind the 2025 version of “Superman,” for example, sought to create a realistic dog, right down to each scruffy patch of fur. But they needed it to defy gravity and other laws of physics . So they incorporated just enough live animal in preproduction to animate a mostly CGI creature, with director James Gunn’s own dog serving as the “ model ,” or “reference,” for the superdog, Krypto. Director James Gunn’s dog was used to model the mostly CGI Krypto in 2025’s ‘Superman.’ This technique recalls the methods of Disney animators who were stumped by the challenge of creating the characters for “ Bambi ” (1942). So they studied animal anatomy, photographed deer in the wild and sketched animals brought into the studio in order to better capture their movements on paper. But when it comes to live-action films grounded in everyday life, there’s still work on set for real animals. For one, it’s still usually cheaper to deploy the real thing. Moreover, most of the virtual animals on screen simply don’t look realistic enough to allow for the full suspension of disbelief that makes cinema magic. That’s why in the 2025 adaptation of Helen MacDonald’s memoir, “ H Is for Hawk ,” filmmakers reportedly employed five goshawks to portray Mabel, the bird adopted by Helen (Claire Foy). And it’s why Academy Award-nominee “ Marty Supreme ” featured an entire menagerie of live animals , including a horse, a camel, an armadillo, a dog, a rabbit and even a ping-pong playing sea lion . Yes, the sea lion in the scene was real, but the ball wasn’t. Future opportunities for trainers and their charges appear to rest on just how good visual effects can get. For some animal activists – not to mention the animals that have no say in their work – that day can’t come soon enough. Moviegoers and animal advocates, meanwhile, might hope for a middle ground: a future in which only ethically treated animals continue to get to appear on the screen. Words by Cynthia Chris, Professor of Media Studies, City University of New York. Special thanks for The Conversation . Support and donate  today.

Miami Living invites you to step beyond the present moment and into a perspective few have ever experienced. These newly released images from humanity’s return to deep space offer more than just visual beauty; they capture a rare intersection of exploration, technology, and awe. And a special big thanks to NASA  for these amazing photos! Photo/NASA From the quiet curve of Earth glowing in the distance to the dramatic contrast of light and shadow across the lunar surface, each frame tells a story of discovery. There’s something almost surreal about seeing our planet reduced to a delicate crescent, suspended in darkness, while the moon’s rugged terrain reveals textures that feel both distant and vividly real. Photo/NASA For the crew witnessing it firsthand, the experience was difficult to put into words. “It’s just… indescribable. No matter how long we look at this, our brains are not processing this image in front of us,” said Reid Wiseman , commander of the Artemis II mission and a veteran NASA astronaut who previously served aboard the International Space Station. “It is absolutely spectacular—surreal. There’s no adjectives.” Photo/NASA Among the most captivating moments was the way sunlight interacted with the moon’s surface. “The line between light and dark is bringing out the shadows, the hills, the valleys—it’s unbelievable,” said Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut and mission specialist, describing the striking visual contrast during the flyby. Photo/NASA Even from hundreds of thousands of miles away, Earth remained impossible to ignore. Suspended in the vastness of space, its soft glow offered a powerful reminder of home—fragile, distant, and extraordinarily beautiful. Captured by NASA’s Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission on April 6, 2026, this striking image shows the Moon backlit by the Sun during a solar eclipse. Orion appears in the foreground on the left, while Earth’s reflected sunlight softly illuminates the Moon’s left edge. Just below the Moon’s lower right edge, Saturn is visible as a bright point, with Mars appearing as another bright point near the far right edge of the frame. Photo/NASA WITNESS A LAUNCH ​​ Photo/NASA: Mission Type: Crewed Lunar Flyby. Crew Size: 4. Launched: April 1, 2026. Mission Duration: 10 Days And for those inspired to witness history firsthand, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a launch in person. From the best viewing spots to tips on planning your visit, Miami Living presents a special guide with everything you need to make it happen. Artemis II Launch — NASA’s Space Launch System rocket lifts off with the Orion spacecraft and crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—on April 1, 2026, from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls Artemis II Launch — In a three-minute exposure, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket launches the Orion spacecraft with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on April 1, 2026, from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber Guests observe the launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft and Artemis II crew—Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialists)—on April 1, 2026, from Operations and Support Building II at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission lifted off at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39B, beginning a 10-day journey around the Moon and back. Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls Artemis II Launch Guests at the Banana Creek viewing site watch as NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifts off carrying the Orion spacecraft and Artemis II crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch of NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)—on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II mission will send the four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back. Liftoff took place at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39B. Image Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber By ML Staff. Photos/NASA