SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As NASA’s Artemis II mission enters its historic journey around the Moon – the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years – a growing coalition of space leaders, explorers, and advocates is calling for the establishment of July 20th as “Lunar Landing Day” – a U.S. national day of observance.
Organizers are using this defining moment in space exploration to highlight both the legacy of the Apollo missions and the importance of inspiring future generations as humanity returns to deep space.
Robert Slater, MD, who has spearheaded the Lunar Landing Day initiative, emphasized the broader significance of the effort:
“The Apollo missions didn’t just put a man on the Moon—they ignited a generation of innovation, discovery, and possibility that continues to shape our world today,” said Slater. “As Artemis II marks our return to the Moon more than 50 years later, establishing a Lunar Landing Day on July 20th is a meaningful way to honor that legacy, celebrate what it made possible, and inspire the next generation to reach even further.”
Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program and the first time humans have traveled beyond Earth’s orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. The Artemis program marks a new era of exploration, including plans to return astronauts to the lunar surface and eventually journey to Mars.
The proposed Lunar Landing Day would be observed annually on July 20, commemorating the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969. Organizers emphasize that the designation would be a national day of observance, not a federal holiday—intended to encourage education, reflection, and celebration of American leadership in space.
Organizers are actively exploring potential congressional sponsors for legislation to formally designate Lunar Landing Day, with additional updates expected as Artemis II continues its mission.
“At a time when our country is often divided, moments like this remind us of what we can achieve together,” Slater said. “The return to the Moon is not just a scientific milestone—it’s a unifying moment for America. Establishing Lunar Landing Day as a new official federal day of observance gives us an opportunity to come together, honor our shared history, and inspire future generations to reach even higher.”
The effort is supported by an ever-expanding coalition of partners across the space, science, and education communities, with additional announcements expected during the Artemis II mission window.
For more information about establishing Lunar Landing Day as a day of observance, visit www.lunarlandingday.net.
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SOURCE Lunar Landing Day
