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Nasa clears Artemis moon rocket for an April launch with 4 astronauts

Nasa cleared its moon rocket on Thursday for an April launch with four astronauts after completing the latest round of repairs. The 98-metre (322-foot) rocket will roll out of the hangar and back to the pad next week at Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre, leading to a launch attempt as early as April 1. It will mark humanity’s first trip to the moon in more than 50 years. The timing is interesting. From the end of March, US President Donald Trump is slated to visit China and meet with President Xi...

Mar 13, 2026 &03241313202631; 05:24 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 3/5

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Positive for markets

Sentiment score: +65/100

Moderate impact Medium-term (weeks)

WHAT THIS MEANS

NASA cleared the Artemis moon rocket for an April launch with four astronauts, marking humanity's first lunar mission in over 50 years. The 98-meter rocket will roll out to the launch pad next week at Kennedy Space Centre with a target launch date as early as April 1, following completion of repair work.

AI CONFIDENCE

75% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Boeing

BAStock

Expected to rise

Boeing is a major contractor for Artemis program components and systems

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RTX

RTXStock

Expected to rise

Raytheon Technologies supplies critical aerospace and defense systems for NASA missions

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LMT

LMTStock

Expected to rise

Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor for Artemis rocket and spacecraft development

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S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to rise

Positive sentiment from major space program milestone supports aerospace and defense sector

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider long positions in aerospace and defense contractors (LMT, BA, RTX) ahead of the April launch window. The successful Artemis mission would validate multi-billion dollar government space investments and support continued funding for related programs.

KEY SIGNALS

Successful completion of Artemis repairs signals program momentumApril launch date provides near-term catalyst for aerospace contractorsHistoric lunar mission achievement boosts investor confidence in space exploration sectorGovernment spending on space programs supports defense contractors

SECTORS INVOLVED

Aerospace & DefenseTechnologyGovernment Contracts

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 15:36 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Nasa clears Artemis moon rocket for an April launch with 4 astronauts

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