The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has designated 2026 as “The Year of the Explorer,” featuring the legacy of the Mercury astronauts to the upcoming Artemis II mission.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is looking toward the moon as it kicks off a new year of inspiration. Officials in the Rocket City have officially designated 2026 as “The Year of the Explorer.”
The year-long theme is designed to bridge the gap between the pioneers of the past and the pioneers of the future. The celebration is timed to coincide with NASA’s upcoming Artemis II mission, which will see humans return to lunar orbit for the first time in more than 50 years.
“The Year of the Explorer” pays homage to the original Mercury astronauts and the early era of spaceflight that put Huntsville on the map. Throughout the year, the center will highlight how that historical foundation is fueling current discoveries and the technology required for deep-space exploration.
A major focus of the 2026 initiative will be the impact of Space Camp. The center plans to highlight the roles that former Space Camp trainees and alumni are currently playing in NASA’s Artemis program and the broader aerospace industry.
There will also be a watch party at the center for when Artemis II launches in the coming months.