NASA has successfully transported its Artemis II rocket to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking a significant milestone in preparations for a historic lunar mission. The rocket’s rollout began early on January 17, 2026, as it was moved towards the launch pad, where it will serve as the launch vehicle for the first crewed mission to the moon in over five decades. The Artemis II mission is scheduled for takeoff as early as February 6, 2026.
This upcoming mission aims to circumnavigate the moon and return to Earth, echoing the Apollo 17 mission conducted in 1972. Following Artemis II, NASA plans to launch Artemis III, which will see astronauts land on the lunar surface, potentially in 2027. NASA asserts that the Artemis program will pave the way for future exploration, including crewed missions to Mars.
The rocket, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), along with the Orion spacecraft, was transported via the crawler-transporter 2 over a distance of four miles. This journey is expected to take up to 12 hours. Upon reaching the launch pad, engineers will spend several days preparing both the SLS and Orion for a critical rehearsal test that will include loading propellants into the rocket.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, emphasized the mission’s importance, stating it fulfills “a promise to the American people that we will return to the moon.” The Artemis II mission will carry a four-person crew, consisting of three NASA astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch—along with Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency. Wiseman will act as the mission’s commander.
Hansen expressed the mission’s significance for humanity, noting that he previously took the moon for granted. “Now I’ve been staring at it a lot more,” he remarked, highlighting the increased public interest in lunar exploration as humans prepare to travel around the far side of the moon.
The Artemis II crew is aware of the challenges ahead. Koch stated the importance of adaptability, particularly since none of the astronauts have previously traveled to the moon. “The most important thing is that you’re ready to take on what you haven’t prepared for,” she noted. Koch also described the moon as a “witness plate” for Earth’s history, offering insights into solar system formation and the potential for life on other planets.
The mission will conclude with the Orion spacecraft splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery operations will be conducted with assistance from the US Navy. As the Artemis II mission draws nearer, it represents not only a return to lunar exploration but also a pivotal step toward future endeavors in space.
