This morning, NASA officially announced a no earlier than March 6th target launch date for Artemis II. That date is contingent on completion of some work at the launch pad, and a positive result from the upcoming Launch Readiness Review, which is scheduled for late next week.
SpaceX launched Falcon 9 early this morning, sending four astronauts on NASA’s Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station occurred at 5:15 AM ET, with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev aboard Crew Dragon capsule ‘Freedom.’
SpaceX and NASA have pushed back the launch of its Crew-12 mission for the second time this week, citing weather concerns along the ascent corridor the rocket will follow on its path to orbit.
Teams at Kennedy Space Center conducted and mostly completed a critical Wet Dress Rehearsal for the launch of the Artemis II rocket and ground support teams yesterday. The test was not without problems: Hydrogen leaks at the tail mast area of the pad and an issue closing Orion’s hatches bedeviled the tests, resulting in NASA announcing that the launch of the Artemis II mission is now no earlier than March 6, 2026.
“The Artemis II wet dress rehearsal countdown was terminated at the T-5:15 minute mark due to a liquid hydrogen leak at the interface of the tail service mast umbilical, which had experienced high concentrations of liquid hydrogen earlier in the countdown, as well,” NASA said.
In a press conference today, Artemis II Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said, “When we got into the LH2 fast fill—which was around 12:29—is when we picked up our first leak in the SMU, in the cavity, which is where the flight and the ground plate come together. It’s that cavity in between. It’s in our eight-inch fill and drain line there. We have a QD that connects those two together.”
“It was similar to some of the signatures we saw during Artemis I. Our leak rate was a little bit higher—somewhere around 12 to 14%,” Blackwell-Thompson continued. “We tried a contingency procedure that we used during Artemis I: you let that QD warm up, you let the seal warm up, and you try it again. We did that a couple of times, worked our way through it, and were able to load the core stage all the way to replenish.”
When asked what items were missed in the Wet Dress Rehearsal, Blackwell-Thompson said, “What we didn’t get to do: we wanted to get through terminal count. We wanted to get inside terminal count, hold, and verify our three-minute hold capability—tanks in launch-ready state and you can hold them for up to three minutes.”
“We also wanted to demonstrate a recycle: come down, have a planned cutoff, come back and retarget a new T-0 within the launch window. Didn’t get a chance to do that.”
Before the March window, NASA’s engineers and mission managers will review data, equipment and procedures from the WDR yesterday and they will conduct a second Wet Dress Rehearsal before committing to a launch date. Of key interest are the Tail Mast interfaces that deliver LH2 to the rocket’s propellant tanks.
“With the conclusion of the wet dress rehearsal today, we are moving off the February launch window and targeting March for the earliest possible launch of Artemis II,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said today. “With more than three years between SLS launches, we fully anticipated encountering challenges. That is precisely why we conduct a wet dress rehearsal. These tests are designed to surface issues before flight and set up launch day with the highest probability of success.”
(Subject to Adjustments)
| Launch Window Opening | Window | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Local Time | UTC | Lighting | Mins |
| Mar 6 | 8:29 PM EST | Mar 7, 01:29 | 2.05 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Mar 7 | 8:57 PM EST | Mar 8, 01:57 | 2.51 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Mar 8 | 10:56 PM EDT | Mar 9, 02:56 | 3.48 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Mar 9 | 11:52 PM EDT | Mar 10, 03:52 | 4.40 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Mar 10 | 12:48 AM EDT | Mar 10, 04:48 | 5.36 hrs after sunset | 115 |
| Apr 1 | 6:24 PM EDT | Apr 1, 22:24 | 1.28 hrs before sunset | 120 |
| Apr 3 | 8:00 PM EDT | Apr 4, 00:00 | 0.30 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Apr 4 | 8:53 PM EDT | Apr 5, 00:53 | 1.17 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Apr 5 | 9:40 PM EDT | Apr 6, 01:40 | 1.95 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Apr 6 | 10:36 PM EDT | Apr 7, 02:36 | 2.87 hrs after sunset | 120 |
| Apr 30 | 6:06 PM EDT | Apr 30, 22:06 | 1.86 hrs before sunset | 120 |
↔ Scroll table on mobile
As of: February 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM EST
A liquid hydrogen leak at the LC-39B’s Tail Mast umbilical connection to SLS’s core stage forced engineers into a troubleshooting effort that pushed the countdown about two hours behind schedule. The team cycled through several repair attempts, first halting LH2 flow, then letting the interface warm so seals could seat themselves properly, and finally by tweaking propellant flow rates before pressing ahead. Ultimately, they were successful in their efforts and got the 322-foot tall rocket fully fueled, but a great deal of time was lost during the effort.
Secondly, a recently replaced valve tied to Orion’s crew hatch pressurization system needed to be retorqued, and closeout work ran longer than expected. NASA stated around 10 PM last night that, “The closeout crew remains in the White Room and has closed the Orion spacecraft’s crew module hatch. While performing seal pressurization checks on the counterbalance assembly, which could be used to help open the hatch, a valve associated with Orion’s hatch pressurization was inadvertently vented. The counterbalance assembly then needed to be repressurized to allow work to continue.”
Finally, communications issues from SLS to ground caused some issues and will need to be remediated prior to the next Wet Dress Rehearsal, much less any launch attempt in March.
Clearly, there’s some work to do before Artemis II will be ready to fly.
The Artemis II crew has been released from quarantine for the time being. Once a new potential launch date becomes clearer, they will return to quarantine and fly to Kennedy Space Center for final preparations prior to launch.
NASA has scheduled a 1 PM ET press conference to offer more details.
The countdown for the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal is underway at Kennedy Space Center. Yesterday at 8:13 PM ET, or L-48:40 hours, the simulated countdown began in preparation for a test launch window opening at 9 PM tomorrow, February 2nd.
Artemis II will not launch during this countdown, of course, as it is just a test countdown. The Artemis II crew will not be aboard during Orion the WDR.
Sometime around 1 AM ET Tuesday, or February 3rd, the WDR will conclude.
After the test cycle concludes, engineers and mission managers will review data gathered during the Wet Dress Rehearsal. This process may take a few days as each major system is reviewed. Since Artemis I, NASA has implemented changes to the liquid Hydrogen systems at LC-39B. That will be a particular area of concern, as H2 leaks bedeviled the Artemis I countdowns both in WDR and later on the night it launched.
After the Data Review, a Flight Readiness Review can be held, during which all aspects of the mission are reviewed: the SLS rocket, the Orion spacecraft, ground systems at the Cape, and the status of the recovery teams that would be first responders to a major anomaly, should one occur, and many others.
The FRR is last major review for the flight, and in it, the Artemis II management team will need to give the mission permission to proceed towards a launch. Only after that milestone is achieved will a launch date and time be announced by NASA.
| L-49 Hours, 15 Minutes and Counting | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-49H 15M | Launch team arrives on stations; countdown begins |
| L-48H 40M | Countdown clock begins |
| L-48H 45M – L-39H 45M | LOX/LH2 system preparations for vehicle loading |
| L-47H 30M – L-38H 30M | Fill water tank for sound suppression system |
| L-40H 30M – L-39H | Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) powered up |
| L-39H 30M – L-38H 45M | Core stage powered up |
| L-38H 45M – L-34H 30M | Final preparations of four RS-25 engines |
| L-34 Hours, 30 Minutes and Counting | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-33H 45M – L-33H 10M | ICPS powered down |
| L-32H 30M – L-28H 30M | Charge Orion flight batteries to 100% |
| L-30H 30M – L-23H 30M | Charge core stage flight batteries |
| L-19H 30M – L-16H | Orion crew suit regulator leak checks |
| L-19H 15M – L-17H 45M | ICPS powered up for launch |
| L-15 Hours and Counting | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-14H 30M – L-13H | All non-essential personnel leave Launch Complex 39B |
| L-13H 15M – L-11H 05M | Air-to-GN2 changeover and vehicle cavity inerting |
| L-12H 45M – L-11H 15M | Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) activation |
| L-11 Hours, 40 Minutes and Counting | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-11H 35M – L-9H 20M | Built-in hold: 2 hours, 15 minutes |
| L-11H 40M – L-10H 30M | Weather and tanking briefing |
| L-10H 20M | Go/No-Go decision to begin tanking |
| L-10H 20M – L-9H | Orion cold soak |
| L-10H 10M – L-9H 50M | Core stage LOX transfer line chilldown |
| L-10H 10M – L-9H 25M | Core stage LH2 chilldown |
| L-10 Hours and Counting | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-9H 50M – L-9H 10M | Core stage LOX main propulsion system chilldown |
| L-9H 25M – L-9H | Core stage LH2 slow fill start |
| L-9H 20M | Resume T-Clock from T-8H 10M |
| L-9H 10M – L-8H 55M | Core stage LOX slow fill |
| L-9H – L-7H 40M | Core stage LH2 fast fill |
| L-8H 55M – L-6H 10M | Core stage LOX fast fill |
| L-8H 45M – L-8H 10M | ICPS LH2 chilldown |
| L-8H 10M – L-7H 25M | ICPS LH2 fast fill start |
| L-7H 45M – L-6H | ICPS LOX main propulsion system chilldown |
| L-7H 40M – L-7H 30M | Core stage LH2 topping |
| L-7H 30M – terminal | Core stage LH2 replenish |
| L-7H 25M – L-7H 05M | ICPS LH2 vent and relief test |
| L-7H 05M – L-6H 55M | ICPS LH2 tank topping start |
| L-6H 50M – terminal | ICPS LH2 replenish |
| L-6H 10M – L-5H 40M | Orion communications system activated (RF to Mission Control) |
| L-6H 10M – L-5H 40M | Core stage LOX topping |
| L-6 Hours and Counting | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-6H – L-5H 15M | ICPS LOX fast fill |
| L-5H 40M – terminal | Core stage LOX replenish |
| L-5H 40M | Stage pad rescue; closeout crew assemble |
| L-5H 15M – L-5H | ICPS LOX vent and relief test |
| L-5H – L-4H 40M | ICPS LOX topping |
| L-4H 40M – terminal | ICPS LOX replenish; all stages replenish |
| L-4H 40M | Built-in hold: 40 minutes |
| L-4H 40M – L-4H 25M | Closeout crew to white room |
| L-4H 30M – L-4H 20M | Crew Module hatch preps and closure |
| L-4H 20M – L-3H 20M | Counterbalance mechanism hatch seal/press decay checks |
| L-3H 20M – L-2H 40M | Crew Module hatch service panel install/closeouts |
| L-2H 40M – L-2H 20M | Launch Abort System (LAS) hatch closure for flight |
| L-1H 45M – L-1H 40M | Closeout crew departs Launch Complex 39B |
| L-1H 10M | Launch Director brief – Flight vehicle/TPS scan results with CICE |
| L-40 Minutes and Holding | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-40M | Built-in hold: 30 minutes |
| L-25 Minutes and Holding | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| L-25M | Transition team to Orion-to-Earth comm loop following final NTD briefing |
| L-16M | Launch Director polls team for “Go” for launch |
| T-10 Minutes – Terminal Count | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| T-10M | Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) initiates terminal count |
| T-8M | Crew Access Arm retract |
| T-6M | GLS go for core stage tank pressurization; Orion set to internal power |
| T-5M 57S | Core stage LH2 terminate replenish |
| T-4M | GLS go for core stage APU start; APU starts; Core stage LOX terminate replenish |
| T-3M 30S | ICPS LOX terminate replenish |
| T-3M 10S | GLS go for purge sequence 4 |
| T-2M 02S | ICPS switches to internal battery power |
| T-2M | Booster switches to internal battery power |
| T-1M 30S | Core stage switches to internal power; hold for 3-minute certification hold time verification |
| T-1M 20S | ICPS enters terminal countdown mode |
| T-50S | ICPS LH2 terminate replenish |
| T-33S | GLS sends “Go for Automated Launch Sequencer” command; GLS Cutoff/Recycle |
Source: Countdown Begins for Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal, NASA, January 31, 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration released the Final Environmental Impact Statement and its Record of Decision regarding the matter this morning. The Record of Decision approves SpaceX to operate Starship-Super Heavy at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, clearing the final major regulatory hurdle for the company’s next-generation launch vehicle on Florida’s Space Coast.
Now, SpaceX needs to complete the build out its infrastructure at LC-39A, relocate Starship flight hardware from Boca Chica, Texas to KSC, and obtain the necessary FAA launch license(s) to launch the 408.1 feet (124.4 meter) tall rocket. It will be the most powerful rocket to ever launch from the Eastern Range, eclipsing the venerable Saturn V, New Glenn and even SLS Block I.
The decision authorizes up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy launches and 88 landings annually—44 each for the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage. Ocean landings on droneships in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans are also permitted.
The approval follows a 16-month environmental review process that began with a Notice of Intent published in May 2024, included multiple public comment periods, and culminated in the Final Environmental Impact Statement released today.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Approved Operations | |
| Annual Limits |
Approved 44 launches • 88 landings (44 Super Heavy + 44 Starship) • 88 static fires
|
| Infrastructure |
Approved ~800,000 sq ft improvements: launch mount, catch tower, propellant generation (methane liquefier, air separation unit), storage tanks, deluge ponds, water system (~518,000 L/launch) |
| ⚠️ Significant Environmental Effects | |
| Emissions |
Significant NOx: 385.66 tons/yr (54% over threshold, 4.35% of Brevard County) GHG: 217,354 MT CO2e/yr (319% over threshold, 2.81% of county) |
| Noise |
Significant Sonic booms exceed 60 dB CDNL on 28,595 acres off-KSC • Up to 82% awakening probability at night • Outdoor levels exceed 97 dB max at locations outside KSC/CCSFS |
| Air Traffic |
Significant Avg delay: ~40 min (up to 2 hrs) • Ground stops at Core 30 FL airports • Coordination with Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, Cuba |
| 🚧 Access Restrictions | |
| Closures |
Tests: ~396 hrs/yr (4.5%) • Launches/reentries: ~462 hrs/yr (5.3%) • Total: ~10% of year (half day/half night) NPS revenue impact: $239K–$423K/yr (13–24% loss to Canaveral National Seashore) |
| 🐢 Wildlife Conditions (USFWS) | |
| Training & Surveys |
Required All personnel: wildlife training before onsite work (species ID, sea turtle/scrub-jay/indigo snake/manatee protocols) • Pre-construction biological surveys required • Lighting Operations Manual for sea turtle season |
| Manatee |
Required Dedicated observer on vessels in Indian River Lagoon • 50 ft minimum distance • ≤10 knots where observed • No wake/idle near docks |
| 📊 Required Monitoring | |
| Species |
Monitoring Scrub-jay: 70% banded in 1 yr, 90% in 3 yrs; census pre/post breeding Sea turtle: Mar 1–Oct 31; 8 light surveys/yr; all hawksbill/Kemp’s ridley/leatherback nests monitored Beach mouse: Habitat use, survival, reproduction, population density |
| Physical |
Monitoring Noise: 3 events each for SH/Starship static fires, launches, landings (15 total) Vibration: Loggers at 0.3 mi, 15″ deep; min 3 launches |
| 🐋 Marine Conditions (NMFS) | |
| Distance & Vessel |
Required Activities ≥5 nm from coast (≥1 nm within 50 mi of LC-39A) • No coral reef landings • Dedicated observer on recovery ops • 300 ft from mammals, 150 ft from turtles • ≤10 kts near mother/calf |
| Right Whale |
Required 1,500 ft minimum distance • Nov–Apr: SH and Starship cannot both land in critical habitat same flight • No landings in active Slow/Dynamic Mgmt Areas • Flight reports within 30 days until full reusability |
| 🏛️ Historic Preservation (NHPA) | |
| Structures |
Monitoring 9 structures monitored through first 5 launches + 5 SH landings + 1 Starship landing: St. Gabriel’s Church, Pritchard House, Walker Apts (Titusville); Cocoa Jr High, Aladdin Theater (Cocoa); Cape Canaveral Lighthouse (CCSFS); John Sams House, St. Luke’s Church (Merritt Island); Beach House (KSC) Programmatic Agreement executed Nov 22, 2025 with FL SHPO & Seminole Tribe
|
| 📋 Public Notice & Coordination | |
| Notifications | Launch schedules via news outlets, KSC SIMS, NASASpaceflight.com, Florida Today app, Brevard County Emergency Mgmt |
| Claims | Property damage: insurance@spacex.com (SpaceX carries insurance per Commercial Space Launch Act) |
| Annual Meetings |
Required USFWS: Jan 1–31 annually (NASA, SpaceX, FAA, USFWS, NPS, USSF) • NHPA: November annually |
| Record of Decision: SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy at LC-39A, KSC | Signed: Jan 29, 2026 by Katie L. Cranor, FAA | FAA Project Page | |
Updated today:
| Status | Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete | Notice of Intent PublishedFAA | May 10, 2024 | FAA initiated the EIS process via Federal Register publication |
| Complete | Public Scoping PeriodFAA | May–Jun 2024 | Public input gathered on scope of environmental review; ended June 24, 2024 |
| Complete | Draft EIS ReleasedFAA | Aug 4, 2025 | Draft EIS published for up to 44 launches and 44 landings per year |
| Complete | Draft EIS Comment PeriodFAA | Aug 4–Sep 29, 2025 | Hearings at KSC (Aug 26), Cape Canaveral (Aug 28), virtual (Sept 3); view comments |
| Complete | Final EIS PublicationFAA | Jan 30, 2026 | Final EIS published addressing all public comments |
| Complete | Record of Decision (ROD)FAA | Jan 30, 2026 | ROD issued with decision, mitigations, and monitoring requirements |
| Ongoing | Infrastructure CompletionSpaceX | Mid-2026 (proj.) | Launch mount (installed Nov 2025), tank farm, deluge system, chopstick upgrades |
| Pending | Vehicle Operator LicenseFAA | Expected 2026 | New or modified launch license for Starship-Super Heavy at LC-39A; FAA project page |
| Upcoming | First Starship LaunchSpaceX | 2026 (targeted) | Initial vehicles transported from Starbase, Texas via barge |
| Lead Agency: FAA | Cooperating: NASA, Dept. of Air Force, Coast Guard, Fish & Wildlife, National Park Service | Updated: Jan 30, 2026 | |||
The original documents are at the FAA’s Project Website, located here
For those who are interested in reading the minutiae of the Decision, here is a list of links to all available documents:
In fact, Artemis II does not have a specific launch date at all—not yet—and it will be next month before one can be named. NASA has dates circled for when it could launch the big orange moon rocket, abd February 6th is the first one, but the agency has yet to set a specific L-0 day and time.
NASA itself says. “While the Artemis II launch window opens as early as Friday, Feb. 6,” the agency said on January 21, ” the mission management team will assess flight readiness after the wet dress rehearsal across the spacecraft, launch infrastructure, and the crew and operations teams before selecting a launch date.”
As NASA states, they cannot name a launch date until a successful Wet Dress Rehearsal is completed. When is the Wet Dress Rehearsal? It starts no earlier than February 2nd. And after the WDR, there is another critical milestone to pass: a Flight Readiness Review where NASA and its contractors will assess the mission readiness of the rocket, the crew, and the facility. That’s not a minor tick-the-boxes meeting; it’s in-depth and quite thorough.
Launch window opens Feb. 6, 2026
| Milestone | Target Date | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Pad Integration | Late Jan. 2026 | In Progress | Connect GSE, electrical lines, fuel ducts, and cryo feeds; power up integrated systems |
| Crew Final Walkdown | Late Jan. 2026 | Upcoming | Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen conduct final pad inspection |
| Wet Dress Rehearsal | NET Feb. 2, 2026 | Upcoming | Load 700,000+ gallons of cryogenic propellants; full countdown practice; detanking ops |
| Flight Readiness Review | Early Feb. 2026 | Upcoming | Mission management assesses all systems and commits to official launch date |
| Launch | NET Feb. 6, 2026 | Launch Window | 16 launch opportunities through April 30, 2026; first window 9:41 PM EST (02:41 UTC) |
The Wet Dress Rehearsal is critical because it is a full-scale practice run of the launch of Artemis II, including loading thousands of gallons of liquid propellants (liquid hydrogen and oxygen) into the rocket’s tanks, running through the entire countdown procedure to test all of the systems aboard the 322-foot-tall vehicle, test some scrub scenarios, and then safely draining the fuel, all without actually launching.
The WDR was a problem for Artemis I, mainly because it was the first time new infrastructure at Pad LC-39B had been used, and that on a brand new rocket. Small leaks and other issues created delays and repairs, and as a result, the launch was pushed right on the calendar several times. Eventually, in November 2022, all of the hard work came together and Artemis I lifted off into a brisk Space Coast sky to the delight of all who saw it.
Hopefully these problems won’t repeat themselves with Artemis II. NASA and its contractors learned a lot of lessons with Artemis I and have undoubtedly made changes and improvements to the pad infrastructure and the rocket itself since 2022, when Artemis I flew.
Still, some problems may arise. Some of those problems may necessitate a return to the VAB for repairs. NASA is trying to make that clear. That’s no certainty, and everyone is hoping for a smooth Wet Dress Rehearsal, but keep in mind that it’s not something to take for granted.
Don’t let the independent scheduling apps and websites fool you. Even the launch schedule page that I run myself can be at bit misleading:
While I made it clear that Artemis II is “Awaiting Confirmation,” many people will see the “Window Opens: Friday 02/06/2026 09:41:00 PM” and think the date and time is set in stone. It is not. Not yet.
My personal site is not alone. Perhaps the biggest of scheduling sites, Spacelaunchschedule.com, says the same thing:
And so does nextspaceflight.com, the site run by NASA Spaceflight:
All of those sites (mine included) rely on external data feeds for up-to-date launch times. Those feeds often prognosticate based on the best information they have: FAA and USCG filings, NASA or Space Force statements, launch vendor information, and so forth. They try to make it clear when a flight is unconfirmed, meaning “not official,” but sometimes people miss that.
Data providers usually get things right, but keep in mind that they are unofficial sources and may be wrong. Things change fast when it comes to launch plans, and sometimes unofficial sites take a while to catch up to changes. Still, at the end of the day, Spacelaunchschedule.com and Nextspaceflight.com are truly handy tools that give great information. I use both extensively, especially out in the field.
When an official launch date and target time is announced, it will be no mystery. NASA will make it available to the public, and that in turn will set things in motion for America to send four astronauts around the moon.
They have already named the potential windows between now and April, and people can use that for their planning, such as it is.
If you want to book flights and hotels, make sure you can change those reservations for a later time. If you do come to Florida to watch the launch, plan to stay through all of the days in the windows charted above, because scrubs are part and parcel of rocket launches. For example, if indeed NASA chooses February 6, plan to stay through February 11th. If the launch is planned for March 6th, plan to stay through the 11th.
Always remember that millions of things must be right and ready to send any rocket on its way, and only one thing has to be wrong to cause a scrub. And then there is the weather. It’s Florida and the weather changes about as fast as you can change the channels on your TV remote.
So all in all, be patient. Artemis II will launch when it is ready to fly. Not before. What day that is, we can’t say for sure yet. Keep you plans flexible and stay tuned.
The Artemis II mission will mark humanity’s return to lunar exploration with a crewed spacecraft for the first time since Apollo 17 in December 1972. NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
The launch window opens on February 6, 2026, with additional opportunities on February 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th. Launch will occur from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center—the same historic pad complex that sent Apollo astronauts to the Moon aboard Apollo 10. After that, LC-39B was reconfigured for the Space Shuttle program, serving as the launch site for 53 missions.
Last update: February 2, 2026
See also:
Traveler’s Guide To The Artemis II Launch
Artemis II Viewing Map (Desktop Version)
How To Take A Launch Streak Shot
The rocket is at the pad, and the launch windows are as follows:
To date (January 20th) no official launch date or time has been released by NASA. Pad integration is continuing, followed by a Wet Dress Rehearsal (currently no later than February 2) and, finally, a Flight Readiness Review to evaluate the status of all aspects of the mission. If successful, permission to proceed will be granted, and a launch date and time will be officially set.
Keep that word in mind — official — because it trumps all other information.
So, while you still have some time, here’s some information about coming to town and viewing the launch:
Most visitors to the Space Coast do not realize that there are actually two space launch centers in Florida: Kennedy Space Center (KSC), operated by NASA, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), a US Space Force base. They adjoin one another and form a contiguous area, but each has its own management and security.
Launch Complex 39B is located at Kennedy Space Center, on the northern end of the Cape. This is important for selecting your viewing location—LC-39B is significantly farther north than SpaceX’s SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which means the optimal viewing spots are different.
For Artemis II, the Titusville area offers some of the best public viewing, as it sits almost directly across the Indian River from LC-39B. Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, while still offering views, are considerably farther away.
Proximity to the launch pad is important for seeing ignition and liftoff, but it matters less and less as the rocket climbs into the sky. That’s because it will be rising rapidly, affording everyone an opportunity to see it well. That being said, if you can’t get viewing tickets at the Saturn V Center, don’t fret too much — you’re going to get a great look anywhere in the Space Coast region so long as the skies are clear at launch time.
In a nutshell, here are some good spots to consider:
| Area | Spot | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSC (Ticketed) | Banana Creek / Apollo-Saturn V Center | ~3.9 mi | Premier viewing for LC-39 launches. Ticketed via KSCVC. Info |
| Titusville | Max Brewer Bridge & Parrish Park | ~11.1 mi | Elevated bridge vantage. Excellent for LC-39 launches. Fills very quickly. |
| Titusville | Space View Park | ~11.6 mi | Iconic riverfront viewing. Live audio feeds. Very popular—arrive early. |
| Titusville | Rotary Riverfront Park | ~11.8 mi | Open river views; good parking. Less crowded alternative. |
| Titusville | Kennedy Point Park | ~12.0 mi | Long riverfront; good tripod space. Near marina. |
| Titusville | Space Bar (Rooftop) | ~11.5 mi | Rooftop view with food/drinks. Check hours. |
| Port Canaveral | SR-528 Bennett Causeway pull-offs | ~14.5 mi | Open causeway views. Farther but still viable. |
| Port Canaveral | Jetty Park | ~14.6 mi | Beach and pier access. Good for families. Fees |
| Cape Canaveral | Cherie Down Park | ~15.2 mi | Beach access. Dunes may block first seconds. |
| Cocoa Beach | Alan Shepard Park | ~17.4 mi | Beachfront. Named for America’s first astronaut. |
| Cocoa Beach | Cocoa Beach Pier | ~16.8 mi | Horizon view over ocean. Tourist crowds. |
Potential obstruction Fee, paid parking, or ticket required
Note: Distances are approximate straight-line measures to LC-39B. Access, hours, fees, and closures may change—verify before launch day.
UPDATE: Tickets went on sale for KSCVC options on January 23, and sold out in 30 minutes. Check their site, but it may be too late for this option.
This is the viewing location for Artemis II. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers ticketed viewing at the Apollo-Saturn V Center, which sits almost directly across the Banana Creek from LC-39B. This is as close as the general public can get to a launch from LC-39B.
The experience includes bleacher seating, live commentary from NASA, and the unparalleled backdrop of the actual Saturn V rocket displayed inside the center. For a once-in-a-generation mission like Artemis II, this is worth the investment. If you have kids or grandkids who want to go, there are few events that are more exciting than this.
Pricing: Expect premium pricing for Artemis II—this is a historic mission. Tickets are in addition to standard KSCVC admission and parking. Prices for other premium launches have been as high as $250 per person, and it is reasonable to expect KSCVC to have similar price tags on Artemis II ducats.
Important: Read the KSCVC Scrub Policy carefully before purchasing. If the launch scrubs after you’ve used transportation to the viewing site, your ticket may be considered “used.” Contact the Visitor Complex directly with questions, they are the only ones that can give official information about their policies.
For free public viewing, the Max Brewer Bridge area is arguably the best spot for an LC-39B launch. The elevated bridge provides clear sightlines across the Indian River directly toward the launch pad. Parrish Park at the base of the bridge offers parking and waterfront access.
Arrive extremely early. For a mission of this magnitude, expect the bridge and surrounding areas to fill up many hours—potentially the night before for a daytime launch. The February launch windows are evening opportunities and that may attract even larger crowds. Parking will be in high demand, and the early birds get the best spots.
Stay tuned for news about closures and plans that the city may have for Max Brewer.
Space View Park is one of the most famous public viewing locations on the Space Coast, featuring the Space Walk of Fame and often hosting live NASA audio feeds during launches.
The park sits on the Indian River, with direct views of Kennedy Space Center. It’s across the Max Brewer Bridge from the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge entrance to Kennedy Space Center and is one of the closest off-base sites you can view the launch from.
For Artemis II, expect this park to be packed. Arrive as early as possible. The park has restrooms and is walking distance from downtown Titusville restaurants and shops.
A popular local alternative to the more crowded Space View Park, Rotary Riverfront Park offers similar views with typically easier parking. It’s a good choice for families or those who want a slightly less hectic experience, but it too will be crowded for Artemis II.
Located next to a marina, Kennedy Point Park offers a long stretch of riverfront with ample space for tripods and photography equipment. It’s less well-known than Space View Park, making it a good option for those seeking a bit more elbow room.
A hidden gem, this small riverfront park offers unexpectedly great views across the Indian River. Small is the operative word, so it will be a good idea to settle in early here if that’s your plan.
If you want to combine launch viewing with food and drinks, Space Bar’s rooftop offers excellent views toward LC-39B. Check their website for more information as the launch approaches , and expect it to be crowded for Artemis II.
Reservations, if available, would be very wise.
UPDATE: KARS Park announced on February 2nd that they will not be open to the general public for launch viewing of Artemis II.
KARS Park is located on Kennedy Space Center property and offers good views across the water toward LC-39B, even if you are looking along the shoreline a long way. KARS is a great place to see the rocket after it lifts off as it is on the banks of the Banana River with a clear view over Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Entry requires a fee, and you must verify the park’s status before launch day—access to KSC property can be restricted for major launches. Unauthorized entry is trespassing on federal property.
KARS will be crowded, but it will be out ahead of the crowd after the launch.
Check KARS Park on Facebook for the latest access information.
The Port Canaveral viewing spots—including SR-528 pull-offs and Jetty Park—are farther from LC-39B than from the Cape Canaveral launch pads. You’ll still see the launch clearly, but the experience will be much less dramatic than viewing from Titusville.
Jetty Park remains a good family-friendly option with beach access, a pier, and amenities. Just be aware that cruise ships or port infrastructure can occasionally obstruct views. That’s not as likely for a night launch in February as it might be for day launches in later windows.
Alan Shepard Park and Cocoa Beach Pier offer views of the launch, but at 20 miles distance, the rocket will appear smaller. These locations are better suited for casual viewing than for diehard space fans who want to be in the middle of the action.
Arrive early—very early. This is the first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years. Public interest will be enormous. For popular locations like Space View Park and Max Brewer Bridge, consider arriving the night before for a morning launch, or at least 4-6 hours early.
Check the launch time. The February 2026 window includes several potential dates. NASA will confirm the actual launch date after the wet dress rehearsal (scheduled for no later than February 2). Monitor NASA’s Artemis blog for updates.
Sound travels slowly, about 5 miles per second. At 7 miles, expect the sound to reach you about 35 seconds after liftoff. At 15 umiles, it’s over a minute. Be patient—the rumble is worth the wait.
Have a well-charged smartphone to keep up with the status of the launch. Social media sites from official sources can be invaluable, as are livestreams on Youtube. NASA, Spaceflight Now and NASA Spaceflight are three of the best. NASA’s stream is, of course, the official one.
Bring essentials: Chairs, sunscreen (even in February), water, snacks, and binoculars. A camera with a telephoto lens will help capture the rocket as it climbs*. You won’t need the chairs if you have tickets to view at Kennedy Space Center, nor will you need water and snacks because they will be nearby.
SLS is loud. The Space Launch System generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff—more than the venerable Saturn V. Even from Titusville, you’re going to feel its low frequency rumbles deep in your chest. Some say it is ground-shaking, but that’s apocryphal except for viewers at the Saturn V Center.
Car Alarms Get Set Off By Launches. Don’t be surprised if it’s yours.
Plan for a lot of traffic leaving: build in time to get out of the viewing areas after the launch. Traffic will be bad everywhere. It’s simply a part of the viewing experience.
* I recommend NOT trying to photograph the launch, as watching it is a visceral experience not to be missed. Buy one of the prints that will be for sale later.
Artemis II will send four astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled. Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will loop around the Moon before returning to Earth at approximately 25,000 mph—the fastest any humans have ever reentered Earth’s atmosphere.
Victor Glover will become the first person of color to travel to the Moon. Christina Koch will become the first woman. Jeremy Hansen will become the first non-American. All of them might end up as the farthest-traveling crew to date.
Standing on the shores of the Indian River or the sands of Cocoa Beach, you’ll watch the 322-foot-tall rocket rise on twin pillars of flame from the launch pad. LC-39B has been used in the past for Saturn V Apollo missions as well as Space Shuttle missions.
The ground won’t shake from 7 miles away—that’s a myth—but the deep rumble of those solid rocket boosters rolling across the water is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
After more than 50 years since the last Apollo mission, NASA is preparing to send astronauts back to the Moon. Artemis II, targeted for launch no earlier than February 6, 2026, will mark humanity’s first crewed journey to lunar orbit since 1972. The 10-day mission will carry four astronauts around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, launched by NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Pad LC-39B from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot), and Christina Koch (mission specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This mission represents several historic firsts: Glover will become the first person of color to travel to deep space, Koch will be the first woman to venture beyond low Earth orbit, and Hansen will be the first non-American to journey to the Moon. There is also the possibility that the Artemis II crew will set a new record for the furthest humans away from Earth, but that is dependent on several different mission factors and has yet to be determined.
The Space Coast, and Kennedy Space Center is roughly fifty miles east of Orlando, Florida.
Flight options include Orlando, Melbourne, Florida and Sanford, Florida. Most people use Orlando.
Driving is straightforward: from the north or south of KSC, I-95 is the best way to get here. From Orlando and points west, FL-528, sometimes called “The Beachline” is the fastest route.
The SLS rocket completed its rollout to Launch Pad 39B on January 17, 2026. NASA is targeting a launch window that opens February 6, 2026, with backup opportunities on February 7, 8, 10, and 11. Additional launch windows are available in March (6, 7, 8, 9, and 11) and April (1, 3, 4, 5, and 6) if needed.
Important: Standard daily admission tickets and annual passes will NOT be valid for Artemis II launch viewing. Special launch viewing packages are required and typically include access for two launch attempt dates, a 30-day return visit to the Visitor Complex, and commemorative items.
For the latest information on launch viewing ticket availability, visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website and sign up for email alerts. Viewing locations include the Atlantis North Lawn and the Apollo/Saturn V Center at Banana Creek, which offers views across the water toward Launch Pad 39B.
This is an article unto itself: click here.
The Space Coast offers accommodations ranging from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly options near I-95. Book early for launch events, as hotels fill quickly.
Titusville is the closest community to Kennedy Space Center and offers excellent views of launches from along the Indian River. The city is home to Space View Park, a popular free launch viewing location.
Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center – Features The Space Bar, a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the Kennedy Space Center launch pads. Space-themed rooms, resort-style pool, and on-site dining.
Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center – The closest hotel to the space center with spacious family-friendly rooms, some featuring launch views. Near the American Space Museum and Walk of Fame.
Hampton Inn Titusville/I-95 Kennedy Space Center – Located directly off I-95, about 12 miles from KSC. Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Pet-friendly.
Holiday Inn Titusville – Kennedy Space Center – Features The Local Kitchen & Tap restaurant, outdoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center. Pet-friendly with on-site meeting facilities.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center – Free breakfast, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Conveniently located near Lockheed, NASA, and Boeing facilities.
Budget options include the Comfort Suites Titusville, Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center, and Days Inn by Wyndham Titusville Kennedy Space Center, all offering free breakfast and easy I-95 access. Some are better than others, and in all cases, paying careful attention to reviews is a wise idea.
Port St. John is a residential community located just south of Titusville, offering a quieter alternative with easy access to Kennedy Space Center. While the community has limited hotel options within its borders, nearby hotels in Titusville (about 3 miles north) and Cocoa (about 5 miles south) provide convenient accommodations.
The Courtyard by Marriott Titusville and Fairfield Inn & Suites Titusville are among the closest major hotels to Port St. John.
Cocoa Beach is Florida’s quintessential surf town, offering oceanfront accommodations, the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, and a vibrant dining and entertainment scene. It’s approximately 20 minutes from Kennedy Space Center.
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Steps from the beach and minutes from Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Beautiful ocean views from most rooms, on-site dining, and pool.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort – Luxurious two-bedroom suites with direct beach access. Features the Wakulla Water Play Experience with lazy river, tiki bar, and complimentary shuttle to Cocoa Beach Pier. Pet-friendly.
The Inn at Cocoa Beach – Consistently rated #1 on TripAdvisor for Cocoa Beach. This 50-room oceanfront boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfast, beach chairs and umbrellas, and an honor bar. Adults-only atmosphere.
Beachside Hotel & Suites Cocoa Beach – Port Canaveral – Features a lazy river pool, Duck Dive poolside bar, and retro Florida vibe. Free bike and beach rentals. Popular for pre-cruise stays with Park N Cruise packages available. Pet-friendly.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Beachfront location with balconies offering ocean views. Free hot breakfast and walking distance to Cocoa Beach Pier.
Additional options include Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral, and Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach.
Cape Canaveral sits adjacent to Port Canaveral and offers convenient access to both cruise terminals and Kennedy Space Center. Many hotels here cater to cruise passengers and space enthusiasts alike.
Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral – Features rooftop Altitude360 bar with 360-degree views perfect for watching rocket launches. Modern rooms, outdoor pool, and The Placery restaurant. Pet-friendly with treats at check-in.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach – All-suite hotel with fully equipped kitchens, free hot breakfast, and complimentary Wednesday evening social. One mile from cruise ports and close to Kennedy Space Center. Features tiki bar and Peloton bikes.
SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach – All-suite hotel with separate sleep, work, and relaxation areas. Complimentary breakfast, on-site restaurant, pool, and fire pit. Minutes from Port Canaveral.
Holiday Inn Express Cape Canaveral – Located near Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral with splash zone pool and cabanas. Free hot breakfast. Just 15 miles from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Additional options include Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral, Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Port Canaveral.
Merritt Island sits between the mainland and the barrier islands, offering Indian River views and proximity to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Island Hotel of the Space Coast – A local option on Merritt Island offering convenient access to Kennedy Space Center.
Vacation rentals – Many visitors opt for vacation rental homes on Merritt Island, which can offer river access and private launch viewing from docks and yards.
The southern end of Cocoa Beach provides a quieter beach atmosphere while still offering easy access to Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral.
South Beach Inn – A charming beachfront option with a relaxed atmosphere. Pet-friendly with oceanfront rooms available.
Beachside Hotel & Suites – Located close to Patrick Space Force Base, offering a lazy river pool and convenient beach access. Great for families.
Just on the other side of Patrick Space Force Base, Satellite Beach is a quiet community with some decent restaurants and beaches. The area is not a resort area like Cocoa Beach, but it does have one good option for travelers: Paradise Beach Club Rentals.
Located south of Melbourne Beach, Indialantic offers a quieter beach experience. It’s farther from Kennedy Space Center (about 45 minutes) but provides a more relaxed atmosphere.
Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront – A full-service oceanfront resort with multiple restaurants, pools, and spa services. Excellent for those who want to combine launch viewing with a beach resort experience.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront – All-suite oceanfront property with full kitchens and private balconies.
Tuckaway Shores Resort – Boutique beachfront resort with a laid-back vibe and direct beach access.
Windemere Inn by the Sea – A bed-and-breakfast style inn right on the beach, offering a more intimate experience.
The Space Coast offers diverse dining options, from waterfront seafood to Southern soul food. Here are some local favorites across the region, but don’t be afraid to explore the many other options — there are just too many good restaurants to name in a single article.
That said, in no particular order of preference:
Playalinda Brewing Company – Brix Project (5220 S Washington Ave) – A 16,000-square-foot craft brewery and restaurant in a renovated lumberyard with 20 rotating taps, wood-fired grill, and beer garden. Creative elevated pub fare from Executive Chef Justin Medina pairs perfectly with award-winning craft beers. Outdoor patio is pet-friendly. Weekend brunch, Tuesday trivia, and live music events.
Loyd Have Mercy (3434 S Washington Ave) – Family-owned soul food restaurant serving homestyle Southern fare since 2013. Known for fried chicken with mac & cheese, BBQ meatloaf, collard greens, and sweet potato cake. Owner Loyd creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere with occasional live jazz. Lunch and dinner with catering available. Closed Mondays.
New York New York (5401 Riveredge Dr) – Italian-American dining with views across the Indian River toward Kennedy Space Center. A local favorite for watching launches from the restaurant. Don’t go here expecting fancy — it’s not, and that’s the way the locals like it. Don’t be put off by the weathered facade either – the food is great, the staff helpful and locals are friendly.
El Leoncito (4280 S Washington Ave) – Family-owned Mexican and Cuban restaurant serving the community for over 18 years. Features a patio overlooking the Indian River with views toward the space center. Jeff Bezos has eaten here, as have more astronauts than you can count. Take some time to look at the photos on the wall, you will be surprised at the sheer number of VIPs and celebrities who’ve eaten here.
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill (610 Glen Cheek Dr) – Waterfront dining with views of cruise ships and the Canaveral Barge Canal. Known for fresh seafood, Caribbean-influenced dishes, and a laid-back tiki bar atmosphere. Their outdoor deck offers excellent views for rocket launches. Live music most evenings.
Gator’s Dockside (683 Dave Nisbet Dr) Waterfront dining across the port from SpaceX’s wharf where it unloads Falcon 9 boosters and fairings. The food is good, staff is friendly and this place is a go-to for a lot of locals.
Coconuts on the Beach (2 Minutemen Cswy) – Iconic oceanfront bar and restaurant right on the sand in downtown Cocoa Beach. Fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music with stunning Atlantic views. Try the coconut crusted shrimp or fresh catch of the day. Tiki huts, full bar, and legendary sunset vibes make this a must-visit for any Space Coast trip. First come, first served – no reservations.
The Tiny Turtle (249 Minutemen Cswy) – Award-winning Caribbean fusion restaurant in the heart of downtown Cocoa Beach. Chef Moises Correa brings Puerto Rican heritage to creative dishes like island pork tacos, sofrito bowls, and the famous Tripleta sandwich. Recognized as a Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurant for sustainability efforts. Full bar with craft cocktails, outdoor tiki seating, and pet-friendly patio. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4th Street Fillin Station (382 N Orlando Ave) – A unique gastropub housed in a converted 1950s gas station. Known for creative craft beers, elevated bar food, and homemade ice cream. The retro atmosphere and outdoor seating make it a local favorite.
Book accommodations early as possible. Hotels fill up quickly for major launches, especially historic missions like Artemis II. Consider booking refundable rates in case of launch delays.
Don’t book until a launch date is announced. Launch dates and times are highly variable and they can and will change often. Rely on official sources for the best information. If you can book and cancel without penalty, things are different, of course, but there have been more than a few folks who booked a vacation around a launch only to learn that the launch date has been changed due to one reason or another.
Sign up for alerts. Register at kennedyspacecenter.com to receive email notifications about launch-viewing ticket availability.
Have backup plans. Launches can be delayed due to weather or technical issues. Build flexibility into your travel dates if possible. Refer to the launch window chart below for potential launch dates.
Explore the area. Even if you’re primarily here for the launch, take time to visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Sands Space History Center, the American Space Museum, and the beautiful beaches of the Space Coast.
Cocoa Village is the historic downtown district of Cocoa, Florida, located along the Indian River. It features unique shopping, restaurants and even a pirate museum that make a visit well worth the time.
There may be other launches: The Eastern Range is a very busy place, with over 100 launches per year. Most of those are SpaceX flights, and they make for remarkable viewing, especially if you’ve never seen a launch. Refer to Upcoming Florida Launches for more information.
Arrive early on launch day. Traffic will be heavy, and you’ll want to secure your viewing spot well in advance of the scheduled launch time. “Well in advance” means hours, not minutes, so be sure to have what you need to get you through the wait: a cellphone for keeping up with launch news, bug spray, chairs, refreshments and the like.
SLS began its slow and deliberate journey to Launch Pad 39B from the Vehical Assembly Building (VAB) early Saturday morning at Kennedy Space Center, marking a major milestone in the agency’s quest to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in more than half a century.
The 322-foot-tall rocket emerged from the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building at 7:04 a.m. EST, carried atop Crawler-Transporter 2 for the four-mile trek to the historic launch complex. The combined stack — rocket, Orion capsule, and mobile launcher — weighs approximately 11 million pounds and is traveling at a top speed of just under one mile per hour, with the journey expected to take between eight and twelve hours. At the time of this writing, that journey is still underway and should conclude late this afternoon or early this evening.
Hundreds of space center workers, family members, and guests gathered along the crawlerway to witness the spectacle as the towering white rocket inched past against a clear Florida sky. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the four Artemis II astronauts were on hand to mark the occasion.
“Wow. LETS GO!!!” Commander Reid Wiseman posted on X alongside a photo of the rocket moving out of the VAB. In a subsequent post, he called the SLS and Orion “engineering art.”
Once the rocket reaches Launch Pad 39B, teams will immediately begin connecting ground support equipment, including electrical lines, environmental control system ducts, and cryogenic propellant feeds. Engineers will then power up the integrated systems for the first time to verify everything functions properly with the mobile launcher and pad infrastructure.
A wet dress rehearsal is scheduled for late January or early February. During this critical test, ground crews will load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the rocket’s tanks and conduct multiple countdown sequences, including several holds and recycles in the final minutes to validate launch procedures.
Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said a February launch remains possible but emphasized that the timeline depends on the outcome of upcoming testing. “We need to get through wet dress,” she said during a pre-rollout briefing yesterday.
NASA’s launch window opens February 6, with additional opportunities on February 7, 8, 10, and 11. Due to the orbital mechanics governing the mission’s trajectory to the Moon, only about one week of launch opportunities exists each month, followed by roughly three weeks without viable windows.
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