After multiple delays, the first crewed Artemis flight around the moon could be less than 20 weeks away, NASA officials said Tuesday, putting the space program one step closer to returning to the moon itself in its "second space race" with China.

HOUSTON, Texas — Nearly three years after unmanned Artemis I ascended, NASA told us Artemis II is back on track after several delays. "The agency has made a commitment to launch no later than April of '26 and we intend to keep that commitment," said Lakiesha Hawkins, NASA Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, during a news conference on Tuesday.

At a news conference to reveal a new class of NASA astronauts, Sean Duffy, the agency's acting chief, said winning the race would need money and grit. "I'll be damned if the Chinese beat NASA or beat America back to the moon," he said.

All of the original US senators who created and sustained NASA's Space Launch System rocket over the last 15 years—Bill Nelson, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Richard Shelby—have either retired or failed to win reelection. However, a new champion has emerged to continue the fight: Texas Republican Ted Cruz.