NASA's Mega Moon Rocket: A Step Closer to Artemis II Mission

Sun Jan 18 2026 07:24:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

NASA's Space Launch System rocket has successfully reached Launch Pad 39B as preparations intensify for the Artemis II mission, marking humanity's return to lunar exploration.

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has made its way to Launch Pad 39B at Cape Canaveral, Florida, setting the stage for the Artemis II mission. This mission will see four astronauts embark on a journey around the Moon for the first time in over fifty years. With final tests and a wet dress rehearsal imminent, the launch is anticipated no earlier than February 6, 2026. The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who are prepared to pave the way for future lunar exploration.

NASA's mega rocket has been moved to the launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as the final preparations get underway for the first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years.

Over almost 12 hours, the 98m-tall Space Launch System was carried vertically from the Vehicle Assembly Building on the 4-mile (6.5km) journey to the pad.

Now it is in position, final tests, checks, and a dress rehearsal will take place before the go-ahead is given for the 10-day Artemis II mission, which will see four astronauts travel around the Moon.

NASA states the earliest the rocket can blast off is February 6, 2026, with additional launch windows available later that month, and in March and April.

The rocket began moving at 07:04 local time (12:04 GMT) and arrived at Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center at 18:41 local time (23:42 GMT). It traveled at a speed of 0.82 mph (1.3 km/h) during its journey.

During the mission, the crew—which includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—will not land on the Moon but will circle it, gathering invaluable data for future lunar missions.

The Artemis II mission aims to inspire humanity about lunar exploration and push the boundaries of space travel further than ever before.