NASA's Artemis II Moon Rocket Rolls Out to Launch Pad
NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft have begun their journey to Launch Complex 39B, marking a significant step toward the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft commenced their rollout to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 17, 2026. This event signifies a major milestone in preparation for the Artemis II mission, which aims to carry astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972.
The 322-foot-tall SLS rocket, mounted on the mobile launcher, began its four-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building at approximately 7 a.m. EST. Transported by the crawler-transporter 2 at a speed of about one mile per hour, the trip is expected to take up to 12 hours.
Artemis II is scheduled for launch no earlier than February 6, 2026. The mission will carry four astronauts—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
Prior to launch, the rocket and spacecraft will undergo a wet dress rehearsal at the end of January to test fueling procedures and safety protocols. NASA is prioritizing crew safety and continuing troubleshooting efforts, including fixing leaky ground support equipment.
The Artemis program aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and serves as a precursor for potential crewed missions to Mars.
