Orion rolls to pad for Artemis 2
NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis 2 mission made their way to Launch Complex 39B on January 17th. This all-day journey from the assembly building marks the final preparation phase for Artemis 2, the first crewed flight of this system and humanity's first deep space journey since 1972. Four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — are set for a 10-day trip around the Moon.
At the launch pad, teams will conduct various checks and tests, including some radio assessments that couldn't be done indoors. The astronauts will also practice emergency escapes. The most critical test will be the "wet dress rehearsal," where the rocket is fuelled with propellants for a practice countdown, stopping just before launch.
Despite Artemis 1 in 2022 requiring multiple practice runs and facing launch delays from issues like hydrogen leaks, officials are confident that lessons learned will ensure a smoother rehearsal for Artemis 2. Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson emphasized this, noting that new components for the Orion capsule have been thoroughly tested for the extreme cold of fuelling.
The success of this rehearsal is key to setting a launch date. While NASA is targeting a window between February 6-11, no official date will be announced until after the practice run. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed this, and an official added that if the rehearsal goes well, a February launch remains possible. However, the rehearsal might not happen until February 2nd, potentially squeezing the window, with the next opportunity in early March.
A complicating factor is NASA's consideration of an earlier launch for the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, currently set for February 15th. Although NASA chiefs say the missions are separate, officials admit they compete for resources like satellite communication. They can't launch both at once and will continue preparing both until one faces a delay or a choice must be made.
A key improvement from Artemis 1 is that if Artemis 2 misses its initial launch window, it won't need to return to the assembly building. New equipment on the mobile launcher allows retesting of safety systems directly at the pad, extending its stay for two potential launch periods.
Officials are also mindful of external pressures, including public interest and potential high-profile attendance. However, Lakiesha Hawkins, a deputy administrator, stressed that NASA's primary focus is the crew's safety. John Honeycutt, who leads the mission management team, reinforced this, stating he won't approve a launch until everything is truly ready, emphasizing his commitment to the safe return of the four astronauts.
Reference
by Jeff Foust, SLS/Orion rolls to pad for Artemis 2
spacenews.com Available at: https://spacenews.com/sls-orion-rolls-to-pad-for-artemis-2/
(Assessed: 20th January 2026)
