tech
March 20, 2026
Artemis II Back on the Pad: NASA Prepares Launch of First Crewed Mission to the Moon Since Apollo
NASA has completed one of the most important phases of the Artemis II mission preparation – the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft have been moved to launch pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, from where the launch is expected in early April.
TL;DR
- NASA has moved the Artemis II mission's SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to launch pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center.
- The launch is expected between April 1st and April 6th, dependent on weather and technical conditions.
- Artemis II will be the first crewed mission to the Moon since the Apollo program, featuring a 10-day lunar orbit without landing.
- The four-person crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
- Technical issues with the rocket's helium system were resolved, allowing preparations to continue.
- The mission is crucial for testing systems for future lunar endeavors and paving the way for Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the Moon.