NASA targeting early February for Artemis II mission to the Moon
6 hours ago
- #Artemis II
- #NASA
- #Moon Mission
- NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, targeting a launch window opening on February 5, 2026.
- Artemis II will send four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day trip around the Moon and back.
- This mission marks the first time astronauts will leave low-Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972.
- The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is stacked and ready, while the Orion spacecraft is in final preparations.
- The combined rocket and spacecraft will undergo a 'wet dress rehearsal' early next year, including fueling and countdown tests.
- Monthly launch windows last 4-8 days, with February's window opening on the 5th for an evening launch.
- After launch, Orion will separate from the SLS upper stage ~3 hours post-liftoff and spend 24 hours in Earth orbit for system checks.