NASA Tests SLS Rocket Ahead of Artemis 2 Lunar Mission | Updates

Cape Canaveral, Florida – NASA is conducting a critical “wet dress rehearsal” today, February 20, 2026, for its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a pivotal step in determining readiness for the Artemis II mission. This highly anticipated mission aims to send a crew of four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, marking a significant milestone in humanity’s return to deep space exploration. The test, taking place at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B, involves a complete simulation of the launch process, including fueling the SLS with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, and a simulated countdown.

The Artemis II mission represents a monumental undertaking, building upon the success of the uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022. It’s not simply a repeat of past lunar missions; it’s a crucial demonstration of the capabilities needed for sustained lunar presence and, crewed missions to Mars. The SLS rocket, a super heavy-lift launch vehicle, is central to this ambition, and today’s test is designed to validate its complex systems and procedures. The mission will carry three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut on a journey that will push the boundaries of space travel and human endurance. The successful completion of Artemis II will pave the way for future lunar surface missions, bringing us closer to establishing a long-term presence on the Moon.

This isn’t the first attempt at a comprehensive test. An initial wet dress rehearsal earlier in February was halted due to technical issues, including a leak of liquid hydrogen. This setback initially cast doubt on a launch this month, pushing the target launch date to no earlier than March 6, 2026. Though, NASA engineers have been working diligently to address the identified problems, and today’s test is a critical opportunity to demonstrate those fixes. The SLS, costing approximately $2.5 billion per launch as of 2025 (excluding the Orion spacecraft), is a significant investment, and ensuring its reliability is paramount.

Addressing Past Challenges and Ensuring Safety

Today’s test focuses on verifying the integrity of the SLS’s fueling systems, particularly the handling of liquid hydrogen, which proved problematic during the previous attempt. According to NASA, the liquid hydrogen fueling process proceeded without incident on Thursday, a development hailed as an “important milestone.” Engineers will now repeat launch procedures, including a simulated countdown, to further validate the system’s readiness. The Space Launch System, with its Block 1 configuration standing at 98 meters (322 feet) tall, requires meticulous preparation and precise execution during fueling and launch. The total mass of the SLS is approximately 2,610,000 kg (5,750,000 lb), and the maximum thrust generated by the Block 1 configuration is 39 MN (8,800,000 lbf).

Safety remains the top priority for NASA. As stated by NASA officials earlier this month, the agency will only proceed with the launch when fully prepared to undertake this historic mission. This cautious approach underscores the inherent risks associated with space travel and the commitment to protecting the lives of the astronauts. The Artemis II mission is not just about reaching the Moon; it’s about doing so safely and reliably, setting the stage for a sustainable future in space. The mission will utilize the Orion spacecraft, developed to carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond, and is a crucial step towards eventual missions to Mars.

The Artemis II Crew and Mission Details

The four astronauts selected for the Artemis II mission represent a diverse and highly skilled team. The crew consists of three NASA astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This international collaboration highlights the global nature of space exploration and the shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. The mission will be a lunar flyby, meaning the spacecraft will orbit the Moon and return to Earth without landing. The planned mission duration is 10 days.

Beyond the core mission objectives, NASA is incorporating innovative elements into Artemis II. Notably, the agency is allowing astronauts to bring a personal item on board, a change from previous missions. This decision reflects a growing emphasis on the psychological well-being of astronauts during long-duration spaceflights. NASA is partnering with Apple to utilize iPhones to record footage of the lunar flyby, marking an unprecedented use of consumer technology in space exploration. This initiative aims to capture stunning visuals of the lunar landscape and provide a unique perspective on the mission.

The Space Launch System: A Deep Dive

The Space Launch System (SLS) is a cornerstone of NASA’s Artemis program. Developed over several years, the SLS is an expendable super heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to enable missions beyond Earth orbit. The total project cost for the SLS, as of 2025, is approximately $31.6 billion (excluding the Orion spacecraft). The SLS utilizes a combination of solid rocket boosters and a core stage powered by RS-25 engines, remnants of the Space Shuttle program. The Block 1 configuration, used for Artemis I and II, can deliver approximately 95,000 kg (209,000 lb) to low Earth orbit. Future iterations, such as the Block 1B and Block 2, will offer increased payload capacity, enabling more ambitious missions. The SLS is comparable to other heavy-lift launch vehicles like the Falcon Heavy and the Energia, but represents a uniquely American approach to deep space exploration.

The development of the SLS has not been without its challenges. Delays and cost overruns have been a recurring theme throughout the program. However, NASA maintains that the SLS is essential for achieving its long-term goals in space. The agency is committed to refining the SLS and improving its reliability, ensuring that it can continue to serve as a vital tool for scientific discovery and human exploration. The SLS’s success is inextricably linked to the success of the Artemis program and the future of space travel.

What’s Next for Artemis II?

Following today’s wet dress rehearsal, NASA will analyze the data collected to determine the readiness of the SLS and Orion spacecraft for launch. If all systems perform as expected, the agency will proceed with final preparations for the launch, currently scheduled for no earlier than March 6, 2026. The launch window will be closely monitored, and any further delays will be communicated to the public. The Artemis II mission represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the Moon and our ability to travel beyond Earth. The data gathered during the mission will be invaluable in planning future lunar surface missions and eventual crewed missions to Mars.

The success of Artemis II hinges on the meticulous work of thousands of engineers, scientists, and technicians. Their dedication and expertise are essential to ensuring the safety and success of this historic mission. As we approach the launch date, the world will be watching with anticipation, eager to witness humanity’s return to the Moon. Stay tuned for further updates on the Artemis II mission as NASA continues to prepare for this groundbreaking endeavor.

The next major milestone will be the official confirmation of the launch date, following a thorough review of the wet dress rehearsal data. Keep an eye on NASA’s official website (https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/) for the latest news and updates. What are your thoughts on the Artemis II mission? Share your comments and questions below!