NASA Advances Artemis 2 with Critical SLS Fueling Test Preparation

Bassyonni

Published: February 2, 2026 10:08 AM ET

NASA Advances Artemis 2 with Critical SLS Fueling Test Preparation

NASA is making significant strides in its Artemis 2 mission, focusing on the critical preparation for the Space Launch System (SLS) fueling test. This key stage is part of a wet dress rehearsal, which ensures all systems are operational before the upcoming launch to the moon.

Key Dates and Events for the Artemis 2 Mission

The wet dress rehearsal commenced on February 2, 2026, at Launch Complex-39B in Florida. This phase involved the removal of non-essential personnel to conduct a successful fueling operation.

Test Start Time: February 2, 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT)
Simulated Launch Time: February 2, 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT, February 3)
Potential Extended Testing: By early February 3, 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT)

The Artemis 2 mission is poised to send four astronauts around the moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The countdown for this milestone began on January 31, 2026, at 8:13 p.m. EST (2313 GMT), and the actual launch is targeted for February 8, 2026.

Technical Preparations Highlighted

During the wet dress rehearsal, NASA engineers powered up the core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage of the SLS. The fueling process will load over 700,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen into the rocket’s tanks, completing various fueling milestones.

Rocket Height: 322 feet
Total Rehearsal Duration: 49 hours leading up to the fueling test
Total Mission Duration: Approximately 10 days

Orion, the crewed spacecraft, has remained operational, with plans to charge its flight batteries soon. This meticulous testing regimen is crucial for ensuring reliability on launch day.

Impact on Other Missions

The successful completion of the Artemis 2 fueling test may influence the timeline of other missions. NASA’s Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station may experience delays, potentially waiting until February 19, 2026, after the Artemis 2 astronauts return from their mission.

Live Coverage and Observations

NASA is providing continuous livestream coverage of the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal, allowing space enthusiasts to witness the historic preparations as they unfold at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

This step in NASA’s Artemis program brings humanity closer to exploring the moon and beyond. The efforts visible today underscore the agency’s commitment to meticulous preparation as it aims for a successful lunar return.