Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal: Live Coverage
The Artemis II wet dress rehearsal at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida successfully tested critical systems and processes for the upcoming crewed mission. The rehearsal, which focuses on preparations for Artemis II, marks an essential milestone in NASA’s Artemis program.
Key Events and Milestones of the Rehearsal
The rehearsal was conducted on February 19, 2026, starting early in the morning and concluding at approximately 10:16 p.m. Eastern Time. Here are the important events that occurred during the day’s activities:
- Preliminary Preparations: Teams began with the configuration of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket using gaseous nitrogen to prevent combustion risks.
- Cryogenic Propellant Loading: The loading of super-cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen into the rocket commenced at 9:27 a.m., following successful chilldown of the fueling lines.
- Terminal Countdown: NASA entered the terminal countdown phase at 8:32 p.m. Final systems checks and automated operations were conducted to verify readiness for launch.
- Abort System Checks: The launch abort system hatch was closed, ensuring crew safety in emergency scenarios.
- Countdown Recycle: The countdown was paused at T-33 seconds for reconfiguration, simulating scenarios that might occur before a real launch.
Timeline of Significant Events
Below is a brief timeline of the major milestones during the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Beginning of gaseous nitrogen configuration to mitigate fire risks. |
| 9:27 a.m. | Start of cryogenic liquid propellant loading. |
| 10:30 a.m. | Transition to slow fill of cryogenic propellants. |
| 8:32 p.m. | Entry into the final ten minutes of the terminal countdown. |
| 10:16 p.m. | Conclusion of the wet dress rehearsal at T-29 seconds. |
Significance of the Rehearsal
The Artemis II wet dress rehearsal is a crucial step towards ensuring that all systems are operational for the first crewed mission. During the rehearsal, engineers verified the functionality of the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft, preparing for future lunar exploration. The team practiced essential maneuvers, confirming protocols for both normal operations and potential emergencies.
This rehearsal validated the integrity of safety systems and confirmed the readiness of both the rocket and spacecraft. NASA plans to hold a media briefing on February 20 to discuss the outcomes of the wet dress rehearsal and next steps for the Artemis II mission.
