Archive · 19 Jan 2026
NASA Rolls Out Artemis II Moonbound Rocket
NASA has moved its big Moon rocket, called the Space Launch System (SLS), and a spacecraft called Orion to a launch pad.
This is a big step for the Artemis II mission.
Artemis II will send four astronauts around the Moon.
This is the first time people will be on this rocket.
The astronauts will not land on the Moon but will fly around it.
The mission will last about 10 days.
The rocket was moved very slowly on a special vehicle.
The next step is a test to fill the rocket with fuel.
This test is called a 'wet dress rehearsal.'
The launch is planned for some time between February 6 and April 2024.
This mission is important because it will help NASA get ready to send people to the Moon's South Pole and eventually to Mars.
People can also send their names to the Moon through NASA's 'Send Your Name with Artemis II' initiative.
NASA rolled out the Artemis II rocket and spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B on January 17, 2024.
The mission will send four astronauts around the Moon, including NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA's Jeremy Hansen.
Artemis II is a crewed mission, following the uncrewed Artemis I, and will pave the way for future Moon and Mars missions.
The mission is expected to last 10 days, with a launch window opening on February 6, 2024.
The next step is a 'wet dress rehearsal,' a prelaunch test to fuel the rocket, likely to take place on February 2, 2024.
- Who
- NASA and CSA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen
- What
- Rollout of the Artemis II rocket and spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B
- When
- January 17, 2024, with a launch window opening on February 6, 2024
- Where
- Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
- Why
- To prepare for the Artemis II mission, which will pave the way for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond
Pro-Artemis Advocates
Critics of Space Exploration
Mission Importance
Pro-Artemis Advocates
Artemis II is a crucial step for future lunar and Mars missions, advancing space exploration and international cooperation.
Critics of Space Exploration
Critics argue that the high cost and risks of such missions outweigh the benefits, suggesting resources could be better spent on Earth.
- Rocket and Spacecraft
- Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft
- Rollout Date
- January 17, 2024
- Rollout Duration
- 12 hours
- Launch Pad
- Launch Pad 39B
- Mission Duration
- 10 days
- Launch Window
- February 6 to April 2024
- Astronauts
- Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen
- Mission Distance
- 685,000 miles (~1.1 million km) from Earth
- Send Your Name Initiative
- Participants' names engraved on an SD card carried on the mission
Sources
Artemis II FAQs: NASA's moonbound rocket rollout done, ‘wet dress rehearsal’ next
‘Come back with superpowers’: Historic Artemis II Moon mission offers launch pad for Fantastic Four jokes
NASA's Artemis II Mega Rocket Arrives At Launch Pad For Historic Moon Mission: What Happens Next?
Want To Send You Name To The Moon? NASA’s Historic Artemis II Mission Will Make It A Reality Soon - Steps, Imp Dates
After 54 Years Humans Heads To The Moon
Last Chance: Sign Up by Jan 21 to Send Your Name Around the Moon on NASA’s Artemis II
