NASA Rolls Out Artemis II Rocket to Launch Pad on Path to Moon Mission

NASA began rolling out its giant Artemis II rocket early Saturday morning from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The move to Launch Pad 39B marks a key step toward sending four astronauts around the Moon in the first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The rollout started at 7:04 a.m. EST, with the rocket traveling about four miles over eight to 12 hours on a crawler transporter. This prepares the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for a wet dress rehearsal and a possible launch as early as February 6.

Background

The Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon after more than 50 years. Artemis II builds on the uncrewed Artemis I flight in November 2022, which tested the SLS rocket and Orion capsule on a similar path around the Moon. That test covered 1.4 million miles and lasted 25 days, proving the systems worked without people on board.

Artemis II will be the first time astronauts fly on Orion. The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman as commander, Victor Glover as pilot, and Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency as mission specialists. They trained for years to handle the 10-day flight, which will fly close to the Moon but not land.

The rocket rollout uses the same paths and equipment from the Apollo era. The Vehicle Assembly Building, built in the 1960s, stands 52 stories tall. The crawler transporter, also from that time, moves at less than one mile per hour along a crawlerway lined with river rock. Apollo 17's Saturn V rocket last made this trip in 1972 to Launch Complex 39A.

NASA shifted the launch target to February 2026 after reviews in 2025. Officials looked for ways to speed up without cutting safety. The new plan uses a shorter reentry path for Orion, which narrows the daily launch windows but fits the early February dates.

Key Details

The SLS rocket stands 322 feet tall and weighs millions of pounds with its mobile launch platform. It includes two solid rocket boosters, a core stage with four engines, and an upper stage. Orion sits on top, equipped with life support systems for the crew, unlike the Artemis I version.

Rollout and Next Steps

First motion happened at 7:04 a.m. EST on January 17. NASA streamed the event live starting at 7 a.m. The rocket reaches the pad later that day, where teams connect it to ground systems. A wet dress rehearsal follows around February 2. This test loads propellants like liquid hydrogen and oxygen, runs a full countdown, and checks for issues.

The launch window opens February 6 and runs through February 10 or 11. Exact timing depends on weather, range safety, and test results. A Flight Readiness Review will confirm the date after the rehearsal.

"This is not a rush," said Artemis II Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. "We're taking every step to ensure crew safety while moving as efficiently as possible."

The mission lasts about 10 days. Orion launches from Earth, slings around the Moon, and returns with a skip reentry into the ocean. This tests human-rated systems before Artemis III, which plans a Moon landing.

What This Means

A successful rollout keeps NASA on track for the tight February window. The wet dress rehearsal will show if the rocket handles full fueling without problems. Any fixes could push the launch later, but officials aim to hit the early dates.

This flight tests crew operations in deep space. Astronauts will check Orion's controls, communications, and suits during the trip. Data from this mission shapes future Artemis flights, including base camps on the Moon and trips to Mars.

The rollout draws crowds to Kennedy Space Center. It shows progress in U.S. space efforts, with partners from Canada, Europe, and Japan. Four astronauts orbiting the Moon will inspire new interest in exploration.

Teams now focus on pad setup and rehearsals. Crew dry runs simulate launch day. Ground crews inspect every part after the move. Weather in Florida can delay work, but the crawlerway holds up in rain.

Artemis II revives lunar travel with modern tech. SLS provides power like the old Saturn V, but Orion offers better safety for long flights. The program builds skills for sustained Moon presence.

Success here clears the way for landings. Artemis III targets 2027, but dates shift based on tests. Each step builds confidence in the hardware and teams.

The Moon mission reminds people of Apollo days while starting a new chapter. Four astronauts will see Earth rise over the lunar horizon, sharing views with the world.