NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft have reached Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, setting the stage for the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The historic Artemis II mission is now targeting a February 6, 2026 launch date.
The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot), and Christina Koch (mission specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Glover will become the first person of color, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American to travel to the Moon.
The 10-day mission will carry the four astronauts on a free-return trajectory around the Moon and back to Earth. Engineers will conduct a wet dress rehearsal by February 2, loading cryogenic propellants and practicing countdown procedures. Backup launch windows are available February 7-8, 10-11, with additional dates in March and April if needed.