# Artemis 2 Sends Four Astronauts Beyond Low Earth Orbit for First Time in 53 Years — Under a Legally Contested Framework

- slug: artemis-2-sends-four-astronauts-beyond-low-earth-orbit-for-first-time-in-53-years-under-a-legall
- date: 2026-04-06
- category: Space & Aerospace

Fifty-five nations have signed the Artemis Accords. Russia and China have not. As Artemis 2 orbits the Moon, the legal framework governing its activities has never been tested in any court or conflict — and the next crewed landing depends on it holding.

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