Artemis II Rocket on Pad 39B, Moon Orbit Mission Nears

CAPE CANAVERAL (Azat TV) – NASA’s Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft are now positioned at Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, following their 12-hour journey to the pad on January 17, 2026. This critical milestone, coupled with recent successful pre-launch operations, signals the imminent crewed mission to orbit the Moon, with potential launch windows opening as early as March 3, 2026, to send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the lunar surface.

Artemis II Reaches Launch Pad 39B

The arrival of the towering Artemis II SLS rocket and the Orion crew capsule at Launch Pad 39B marked a significant step in NASA’s ambitious program to return humans to the Moon. The complex, 12-hour rollout of the massive vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad was completed on January 17, 2026, setting the stage for the final series of checks and rehearsals before launch. This move followed extensive assembly and testing phases, ensuring the integrated system was ready for its flight preparations at the launch site.

Crucial Pre-Launch Preparations Underway

Since its placement on Launch Pad 39B, the Artemis II stack has undergone a series of vital pre-launch activities. These operations included a successful fuel test, which verified the integrity of the rocket’s propulsion systems and the ground support equipment. Additionally, a comprehensive wet dress rehearsal was conducted, simulating critical launch day procedures, including tanking the rocket with super-cold propellants and practicing countdown operations. These rehearsals are essential for identifying and resolving any potential issues, ensuring the safety of the crew and the success of the mission, according to NASA officials.

Artemis II: A Stepping Stone to Lunar Return

The Artemis II mission is designed to be the first crewed flight test of the Orion spacecraft and the SLS rocket, carrying four astronauts around the Moon. This 10-day journey will serve as a crucial test of the spacecraft’s life support systems, communication capabilities, and re-entry procedures before future lunar landing missions. The mission aims to demonstrate that Orion’s systems are ready to support astronauts on deep-space voyages, paving the way for Artemis III, which is slated to land humans on the lunar south pole by the end of 2028. The crew for Artemis II includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who will make history as the first international crew member to venture to the Moon.

Anticipating the Artemis II Launch Windows

With pre-launch preparations progressing, NASA is evaluating several potential launch opportunities for Artemis II. Reports from the Orlando Sentinel indicate that launch windows could open as early as March 3, 2026. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has noted March 3 as a possibility, with subsequent options available on March 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11. Further opportunities are also projected for April 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, followed by a new set of windows beginning April 30. Mission planners will carefully consider weather conditions, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft readiness to select the optimal launch date for this historic flight.

The impending launch of Artemis II represents a significant milestone in humanity’s renewed pursuit of deep-space exploration, validating years of technological development and setting the stage for a sustained human presence on and around the Moon.