NASA has successfully launched Artemis 2, its first astronaut mission to the moon since 1972.
Below, you'll find complete coverage of the mission from Space.com's spaceflight news team.
Artemis 2 | The astronauts | SLS rocket | Orion spacecraft
What happens after Artemis 2? Artemis 3 explained
After launch success, Artemis 2 faces make-or-break moment today
Today marks a critical moment in the Artemis 2 mission.
The astronauts are not yet on their way to the moon. Instead, mission teams are preparing for a crucial maneuver later today — the translunar injection burn — which will send Orion out of Earth orbit and toward the moon.
It's a major commitment point for the mission. If all systems are go, Artemis 2 will become the first crewed flight to travel beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era.
Read more: NASA just launched Artemis 2. What happens today could make or break the moon mission
Stay with us as we follow every step of this pivotal day for Artemis 2.
11:37 p.m. EDT | Orion capsule backs away from upper stage
Artemis 2 astronauts manually fly Orion, tackle toilet trouble
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Well, Space Fans, it has been a long day here at the Kennedy Space Center, and even more so for the Artemis 2 astronauts now headed to the moon.
Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover spent about an hour manually flying the Orion spacecraft around the upper stage of the Space Launch System rocket that launched him and his crew into orbit. Glover reported what seemed like a smooth handling by the Orion spacecraft.
"It does seem to move a little bit more, but it is very responsive on the corrections, and I was able to stop it on the center," Glover said at one point as he flew within 15 meters (50 feet) of the rocket stage.
Then Glover flew around the side of the rocket stage, which was emblazoned with an American flag.
"I can see the side docking target. That is a good-looking American flag," he said.
"Overall, guys, this flies very nicely," Glover said. "Very precise."
Now that those proximity flight tests are complete, Orion has pulled away from the rocket stage as the two craft part ways. The crew is arranging Orion for flight and preparing to end their day.
Mission specialist Christina Koch is working with flight controllers on Earth to fix Orion's space toilet, which seems to have a fan issue.
Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft separates from upper stage, begins flying on its own
The Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft is now flying on its own.
Close to three and a half hours into the Artemis 2 mission, pilot Victor Glover took control of Orion after the capsule separated from the Space Launch System rocket's Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, or ICPS. Glover will now manually pilot Orion around ICPS, carrying out a series of maneuvers designed to test the spacecraft's propulsion systems and ability to operate in close proximity to another object in space.
"I see it. Look at that, woohoo! I see the ICPS and the moon in the field of view," Glover said during NASA's live broadcast of the mission.
These tests, known as proximity operations or "prox ops," are a key part of this test flight and will evaluate Orion's ability to fly near and interface with future Artemis program hardware such as the lunar lander that will eventually be chosen for NASA's planned moon landings.
"It's quite nice and very responsive," Glover said, referencing the spacecraft's Digital Autopilot (DAP) system.
9:05 p.m. EDT | Artemis 2 Orion aces another key engine burn
Artemis 2's Orion capsule conducts apogee-raising engine burn
Artemis 2's Orion spacecraft has aced its second key maneuver of the day, an 18-minute-long burn that raised its apogee, or farthest point from Earth, to 43,730 miles (69.797 kilometers). That burn came about an hour after Orion performed a much shorter burn, which raised its perigee, or closest point to Earth.
These moves help set Orion up for its trans-lunar injection (TLI) burn, which will send the capsule and its four astronauts out of Earth orbit and toward the moon. The TLI maneuver will take place on Thursday evening (April 2), if all goes to plan.
8:05 p.m. EDT | NASA holding Artemis 2 postlaunch briefing
Artemis 2 postlaunch press conference expected to start at 8:05 p.m. ET
NASA will hold a press conference today (April 1) at 8:05 p.m. EDT (0005 GMT on April 2) to discuss the launch of its Artemis 2 moon mission. The four-astronaut Artemis 2 lifted off today at 6:35 p.m. EDT (2235 GMT). You can watch it live here at Space.com.
7:26 p.m. EDT | Orion capsule aces perigee raise burn
Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft raises orbit above Earth
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Artemis 2 Orion is headed for a high orbit.
NASA's Orion spacecraft has successfully performed a perigee raise burn to raise its orbit into a wide swinging path around Earth that takes it on a loop that comes with 115 miles of Earth at its closest point and 1,381 miles at its farthest.
The burn is one of several maneuvers Orion and its ICPS upper stage will perform before separating for rendevous operations later tonight.
NASA will also hold a press conference for post-launch at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 April 2 GMT) tonight. We'll have that live on this channel.
7:13 p.m. EDT | Artemis 2 Orion solar wings deploy
Orion spacecraft deploys its four solar wings
Now in the vacuum of space, the Orion spacecraft has successfully unfurled its four solar arrays, which will power the spacecraft through the rest of the Artemis 2 mission. Orion's solar arrays provide more than 11 kilowatts of energy to the spacecraft — about the equivalent needed to provide electricity for two houses.
"We see four SAWs deployed and latched," Orion commander Reid Wiseman radioed to mission control as it occurred.
The crew is now preparing for a perigee raise burn to reach a higher orbit.
The solar array wings are on the European Service Module on Orion, which is provided by the European Space Agency. It powers the Orion spacecraft for the duration of its mission, with four panels arranged in an X-wing like configuration.
Liftoff! NASA launches historic Artemis 2 mission to the moon
Go SLS! Go Orion! Go Artemis 2!
NASA's Artemis 2 rocket has cleared the tower! SLS is climbing into the atmosphere, carrying the Orion spacecraft and its four crew members to space. In the coming minutes, the rocket will pass through Max Q, the point of maximum dynamic pressure on the launch vehicle, and then begin shedding its stages as Orion and the astronauts fly closer to Earth orbit.
6:01 pm EDT | T-23 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 team closes out issue with launch-abort system battery
The Artemis 2 team has determined that an unexpectedly high temperature reading for one of the two batteries for the Orion capsule's launch-abort system was an instrumentation issue, which will not affect today's planned launch. And there's another piece of good news as we enter the final 20 minutes before liftoff.
"The weather continues to cooperate and has now been upgraded to 90% go for launch," NASA officials wrote in an update.
5:33 pm EDT | T-49 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
NASA eyes Launch Abort System battery issue, weather improves
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla -- NASA is working a battery temperature issue on the Launch Abort System of the Artemis 2 rocket, with less than 1 hour remaining for today's historic astronaut lanuch to the moon.
NASA commentator Derrol Nail said the issue just popped up as the weather forecast imporived to a promising 90% "go" for launch.
"A temperature for one of the two LAS batteries is out of range. Although it's not a constraint for launch right now, it would be if that temperature is checked inside of 6 minutes," Nail said. "Right now, the team is working some troubleshooting on this issue."
There was a loud groan throughout the NASA Press Site here at the Kennedy Space Center as Nail announced the issue.
Meanwhile, the closeout crew at the launch pad has pulled the White Room gantry clear of the Orion spacecraft as they complete prelaunch checks before launch.
4:34 p.m. EDT | T-1 hour, 50 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
Eastern Range working issue with Artemis 2 flight termination system
There still aren't any problems with Artemis 2's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket or Orion capsule in the leadup to today's planned launch, but something has cropped up: NASA just announced that the Eastern Range, the Atlantic range managed by the U.S. Space Force, is currently working a flight termination system (FTS) issue.
The FTS is a safety system designed to destroy a rocket if it veers off course during launch. All rockets have them. (Orion has its own emergency-escape system, which would jet the capsule and its crew to safety in the case of such an eventuality.) The Eastern Range is apparently investigating an issue that could affect the sending of an FTS signal to the SLS in an emergency scenario and has asked for assistance from the Artemis 2 launch team, according to NASA.
4:24 p.m. EDT | T-1 hour, 59 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
What will Artemis 2 will teach us about the moon?
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla -- With the Artemis 2 astronauts strapped inside their Orion spacecraft seats and the close out crew shutting the hatch, NASA's big moon launch is starting to feel real.
Here at the Kennedy Space Center, the moon feels positive thoughout the press site and NASA has not reported any serious issues with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule or crew.
That means Artemis 2 mission scientists are getting super excited. Their experiments are a step closer to reaching the moon. Here's a look at all the science experiments flying to the moon on Artemis 2.
The mission will test a space radiation shelter to protect astroanuts from solar storms in deep space. Each astronaut has an AVATAR tissue-on-a-chip twin to see how their DNA reacts to deep space travel. They'll also test exercise gear for trips to the moon, not to mention all the imagery and photographs the crew will take of the moon themselves.
3:10 p.m. EDT | T-3 hours 13 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
All Artemis 2 astronauts are inside their spacecraft
At this point, the entire crew of the Artemis 2 moon mission is inside the Orion spacecraft and buckled in.
Mission commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency are now communicating with mission control to go through final tests necessary before launch, such as comms checks and control panel configurations.
So far, preparations appear to be unfolding without issue.
2:47 p.m. EDT | T-3 hours 36 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 astronauts entering Orion spacecraft
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Things are really moving fast here at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for today's Artemis 2 launch to the moon.
The four Artemis 2 astronauts are now entering their Orion spacecraft, where they'll be strapped in, then undergo communication and final suit checks for launch.
Mission commander Reid Wiseman was first inside the vehicle, with pilot Victor Glover following soon after. Mission specialist Christina Koch is next and will be followed by Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency.
The Artemis 2 astronauts named their Orion spacecraft Integrity, continuing a tradition of naming moon ships set by NASA's Apollo astronauts of yesteryear.
2:30 pm EDT | T-3 hours, 54 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
1972 to 2026: Here's what was hot the last time astronauts launched to the moon
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- As we wait for the Artemis 2 astronauts to board their Orion spacecraft, here's a blast from the past.
We took a look at what was hot the last time astronauts launched to the moon in 1972 on NASA's Apollo 17 moon landing flight.
Check it out! You can find it at our Instagram page here.
2:13 pm EDT | T-4 hours, 11 min to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 astronauts arrive at the launch pad
The Artemis 2 astronauts are now at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B, arriving in their "Astrovan" today (April 1) around 2:13 p.m. EDT (1813 GMT). They will soon board their Orion capsule, which is scheduled to launch atop a Space Launch System rocket at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT). Everything continues to go smoothly.
1:55 pm EDT | T-4 hours, 39 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 astronauts walk out ahead of launch
The Artemis 2 astronauts have emerged from the Astronaut Crew Quarters of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, another key milestone in the leadup to launch. Walkout occurred at 1:49 p.m. EDT (1749 GMT).
"It's a great day for us, a great day for this team," Artemis 2 Commander Reid Wiseman said to a round of applause. The four astronauts will now take a ride to Launch Complex 39B, which will take about 15 minutes.
1:34 pm EDT | T-4 hours, 50 minutes to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 astronauts conduct spacesuit leak checks
Technicians are performing leak checks on the Artemis 2 astronauts' spacesuits, and making sure that their air and power systems are functioning normally.
"The bright orange spacesuits are designed to protect them on their journey and feature many improvements from head to toe to the suits worn on the space shuttle," NASA officials wrote in an update today (April 1). NASA reengineered many elements to improve safety and range of motion for Artemis astronauts, and instead of the small, medium, and large sizes from the shuttle era, they are custom fit for each crew member."
Everything is still looking good for an ontime liftoff today at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT); the Artemis 2 team is not working any technical issues at the moment, and the weather is likely to cooperate.
12:47 pm EDT | T-5 hours, 37 min to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 crew's final weather briefing now complete
The four Artemis 2 astronauts have received their final weather briefing, and everything still looks good: Officials with NASA and the U.S. Space Force say there's an 80% chance that Mother Nature will cooperate for today's planned launch at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
Artemis 2 team members have also completed the "fast fill" of liquid oxygen in the Space Launch System rocket's upper stage and have moved on to the "topping" process. That's another key milestone that keeps everything on track for an on-time liftoff.
12:26 pm EDT | T-5 hours, 57 min to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 upper stage fast fill fueling underway
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage of NASA's Artemis 2 rocket is now in the fast-fill phase for liquid oxygen after being fully loaded with liquid hydrogen earlier today. The core stage of the Space Launch System is fully fueled and being topped off periodically, which NASA calls replenish mode.
So far, the fueling process appears to have gone extremely smoothly. No glitches or hiccups to report so far, which is a good sign. NASA has been mired with liquid hydrogen leaks in the past, but the last fueling test for Artemis 2 indicated that those issues were fixed.
Launch remains on track for 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
The weather here remains 80% go, and it is a stunning day so far. NASA's weather offer did warn we could see some showers in about 2 hours, but no cause for concern at this time.
11:47 am EDT / T-6:36 hrs to Artemis 2 launch
NASA's SLS moon rocket is a towering rocket, the space agency's largest since the Saturn V moon rocket of the Apollo program. It stands 322 feet tall, reaches higher than the Statue of Liberty, and requires 750,000 gallons of propellant to fly.
Here's some of the next key milestones to watch for:
- T-4H10M: Artemis 2 crew heads to launch pad
- T-4H: Artemis 2 crew boards Orion
- T-3H10M: Crew module hatch closure
- T-17M – Launch director polls “go” for launch
- T-0 Booster ignition, umbilical separation, and liftoff
11:19 a.m. EDT / T-7:04 hrs to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 moon rocket fully fueled with liquid hydrogen
NASA's towering Artemis 2 mission rocket has been fully loaded with the liquid hydrogen propellant it will need for liftoff.
The fueling process, which NASA calls tanking, is continuing with the liquid oxygen needed for liftoff. The core stage of the Space Launch System rocket is nearly fully loaded, while liquid oxygen has not yet been loaded onto the upper stage, called the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or ICPS for short.
Above is a graphic showing where things are currently for today's Artemis 2 astronaut launch to the moon.
Liftoff remains on track for 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
10:52 am EDT /T-7:31 to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 flight path: Where will NASA's historic Artemis 2 mission fly after it launches today?
The first phase of the mission will see the crew's Orion spacecraft enter Earth orbit. Once there, Orion will separate from the Space Launch System rocket's upper stage (known as the ICPS) before performing a series of maneuvers in close proximity to the ICPS. These are designed to test Orion's ability to fly close to other spacecraft and hardware such as lunar landers, as future crews will have to do on later Artemis program missions.
From there, Orion will perform a series of engine burns that will place it on a trajectory that loops around the moon, using gravity to send the capsule heading back to Earth. Orion will send the four Artemis 2 astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have ever flown before. On the mission's sixth day, the crew will fly around the far side of the moon at an altitude of 4,000-6,000 miles (6,440-9,650 kilometers) above the lunar surface.
On day 10, Orion will reenter Earth's atmosphere traveling at about 25,000 miles per hour (40,000 km/h). The four astronauts will splash down under parachutes in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Francisco, where a U.S. Navy ship will recover them.
Want an in-depth breakdown of each day of the flight? Here's what the Artemis 2 astronauts will be doing on each day of NASA's historic moon mission.
10:30 am ET / T-7:56 to launch: Google Doodle marks Artemis 2 launch day
Even Google is joining the celebration.
Today's Google Doodle is dedicated to Artemis 2, highlighting the first crewed mission to circle the moon in over 50 years!
The artwork features a space-themed design centered on the moon, reflecting the mission's journey beyond Earth orbit.
10:14 am EDT / T-8 hours to Artemis 2 launch
Artemis 2 crew get 'GO' for wakeup, fueling continues
The four Artemis 2 astronuats received a "go" to wake up in this hour, with NASA now just about 8 hours away from the Artemis 2 launch to the moon today at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
Fast fill of the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellant for Artemis 2's massive Space Launch System rocket is underway.
Liquid oxygen fueling has begun on the ICPS upper stage as well.
Below is a list of some key milestones to look forward to in today's countdown over the next 8 hours.
- L-7H55M – terminal count: Core stage LH2 replenish
- L-7H05M – terminal count: ICPS LH2 replenish
- L-6H – Flight crew weather brief
- L-6H10M: – Closeout crew assemble
- T-4H10M: Artemis 2 walkout to pad
- T-4H: Artemis 2 crew board Orion
- T-3H40M – L-3H10M: Crew module hatch preps and closure
- T-50M – L-40M: Closeout crew departs pad
- T-40M – Built in 30-minute countdown hold begins
- T-17M – Launch director polls “go” for launch
- T-15M – Flight crew visors down
- T-6M – Orion set to internal power
- T-1M30S – Core stage switches to internal power
- T-10S – GLS sends the command for core stage engine start
- T-0 Booster ignition, umbilical separation, and liftoff
Fueling begins for Artemis 2 moon rocket
As the process continues, NASA will shift into a fast-fill stagef to complete fueling.
NASA 'GO' to fuel Artemis 2 moon rocket
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Hello from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Space Fans! NASA has officially given the "go" to proceed with fueling operations for the Artemis 2 moon rocket, with launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson making the call at 7:33 a.m. EDT (1133 GMT). A few minutes later, NASA began the chilldown process for the first stage liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant on the 322-foot Space Launch System rocket launching Artemis 2.
It will take several hours to fuel the SLS rocket with the more than 750,000 gallons of propellant needed for launch. The four Artemis 2 astronauts are scheduled to awake at about midday to prepare for their 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT) launch.
We just had a spectacular sunrise over Launch Pad 39B here at KSC. You can see what it was like in this photo by Space.com's Josh Dinner.
Kennedy Space Center visitor complex is sold out ahead of Artemis 2 launch
Space.com Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik is up bright and early and en route to the Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis 2 launch later today.
"The sun is rising. It is launch day, my friends."
And it looks like he's not the only one getting ready for the big day.
"The visitor complex is sold out for Artemis 2 launch," Malik reported.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day.
Today is the day! Artemis 2 mission is set to launch at 6:24 p.m. EDT
Who's excited?!
Artemis 2 is set to launch today at 6:24 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sending four astronauts on the first crewed journey toward the moon since 1972.
The 10-day mission will loop around the moon before returning to Earth, marking a major step toward NASA's long-term lunar ambitions.
You can watch the historic liftoff live here on Space.com with coverage beginning at 12:50 EDT.
Want to get a sneak preview of what the astronauts will be up to? Here's a day-by-day breakdown of each stage of the mission.
We will, of course, be bringing you live updates here throughout the launch and the 10-day mission, so buckle up!
April Fools' Day is NASA's best chance to launch Artemis 2
All systems are go for tomorrow's Artemis 2 launch!
NASA just wrapped up its L-1 briefing this afternoon, and is still moving toward a launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft tomorrow (April 1).
The two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2324 GMT), with a predicted 20% chance of weather violation.
If the launch gets delayed, opportunities exist for launch through April 6.
NASA powering up Artemis 2 moon rocket
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Hey Space fans! With NASA just one day away from the Artemis 2 moon launch, flight controllers are waking up the great beast that is the Space Launch System megarocket and its Orion spacecraft.
Overnight, the Orion spacecraft, SLS core stage and upper stage were all scheduled to be powered on for final preparations ahead of liftoff.
Launch remains on track for Wednesday, April 1, at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT), with backup days available through April 6 and on April 30. The weather forecast remains 80% favorable for the 2-hour launch window.
NASA will host a press conference today at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) to give one last status update on the mission before tomorrow's launch.
T-1 day to NASA's Artemis 2 launch: But why isn't it landing on the moon?
We're not just one day away from NASA launching Artemis 2 to the moon! And the countdown has officially begun!
The four astronauts will fly a 10-day mission looping around the moon and back to Earth. Artemis 2 is a crucial test flight, designed to prove that the Orion spacecraft and its life support systems can safely carry humans to the moon. It's all part of a step-by-step approach before committing to landing astronauts on the lunar surface.
Read more: Why won't NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts land on the moon when they get there?
NASA 'GO' for Artemis 2 launch, countdown begins
It's official, the countdown to NASA's Artemis 2 launch is officially underway.
The countdown clock for Artemis 2 began ticking down toward an April 1 liftoff today, March 30, at 4:44 p.m. EDT (2044 GMT) as NASA flight controllers begin final checks of flight and ground systems for launch. Liftoff remains set for April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
NASA launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson told reporters today that the run up to the countdown start has gone extremely smooth, with only a few extremely minor ground equipment issues to deal with.
The four Artemis 2 astronauts visited the launch pad today and are spending the evening with their families at NASA's famed astronaut beach house. They'll also go over emergency escape procedures with launch flight controllers in case of a pad emergency, NASA officials said.
After today's 5 p.m. EDT press conference, a fabulous double rainbow appeared over the launch site.
Perhaps it's a sign for Artemis 2's launch? Well have to find out on April 1.
NASA press conference beginning at 5pm EDT
What's on the menu for NASA's historic moon flight?
Who's hungry?
As NASA gears up to launch Artemis 2, there's one question you might not have thought about: what do you actually eat on the way to the moon?
With no fridge, no stove and no resupply missions, astronauts will rely on carefully planned, space-friendly meals that can be rehydrated, heated and eaten in microgravity without making a mess.
Read more: Moon menu: Here's what the Artemis 2 astronauts will eat during their historic mission (video)
Solar flare triggers radio blackout ahead of Artemis 2 launch
A powerful X1.4 solar flare erupted late on March 29, peaking at 11:19 p.m. EDT (0319 GMT on March 30) and triggering a strong (R3) radio blackout according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.
NASA will keep a close eye on space weather conditions, as disruptions like this could affect Artemis 2 preparations. Space weather can also pose a risk to astronauts, so forecasters and NASA teams are working closely together to monitor solar activity.
Read more: Could bad space weather endanger the Artemis 2 moon astronauts?
T-2 days to NASA's Artemis moon mission launch but how does it compare to Apollo?
Who's excited?
NASA is now just two days away from the launch of its Artemis 2 moon mission on April 1 — a mission that's set to push humans farther into space than ever before.
Sure, the Apollo program already took us to the moon. But Artemis 2 isn't a repeat.
This is the first crewed step toward a long-term human return to the moon and beyond. Instead of flags and footprints, the goal is something bigger: staying, exploring and preparing for future missions to Mars.
Read more: How will Artemis 2 be different from NASA's Apollo moon missions?
NASA's Artemis 2 astronaut moon mission is still on track to launch on April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
NASA still eyeing April 1 for Artemis 2 launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — During a press conference on Sunday (March 29), NASA officials shared a status update about launch preparations for its Artemis 2 mission to send astronauts around the moon and back.
It would appear teams are tracking zero technical issues leading up to the liftoff window, meaning the agency is still targeting liftoff on Wednesday (April 1).
T-3 days to NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch
NASA is now three days away from the launch of its Artemis 2 mission on April 1, and even though it's Sunday, there's a lot going on.
Today at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT), the four Artemis 2 astronauts will speak with the media to answer questions, but it will be a "virtual" press conference. The astronauts are in quarantine currently at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.
You'll be able to watch the Artemis 2 astronauts live on Space.com, so be sure to come back then.
At 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) today, NASA will hold a press conference to give a status update on the mission. We'll have that live on the site as well.
NASA's Artemis 2 astronaut moon mission is still on track to launch on April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT).
How to watch NASA's Artemis 2 mission
And if you need more details, today's How to watch NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission launch on April? has a guide on livestreams.
The next major events will occur on Sunday, when the Artemis 2 astronauts will speak to the press one last time before liftoff. Then, NASA will hold a press conference in the afternoon. You can find the schedule for those events in our "what time is it" article as well.
Today, Space.com's Josh Dinner will be at the launch pad setting up remote cameras for our photo coverage of the launch. Wish him luck!
Watch Artemis 2 astronauts arriving in Florida
Artemis 2 astronauts will arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida today, March 27, ahead of their mission to fly around the moon.
The crew have been in quarantine since March 20, when SLS was rolled from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the pad at Launch Complex-39B (LC-39B), and will spend the days leading up to their mission continuing that quarantine at KSC.
The quartet are set to takeoff from NASA's Johnson Space Center and land around 2:30 p.m. EDT (1830 GMT) at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. NASA will broadcast their arrival live, with a remarks from agency administrator Jared Isaacman.
Artemis 2 launch less than 1 week away
It's official, space fans, NASA is less than one week away from the launch of Artemis 2.
The first astronaut mission to the moon since NASA's Apollo 17 in 1972 is on track for a launch on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Our Spaceflight Editor Mike Wall has our latest update on what you need to know in or 1 week away from Artemis 2 story.
Also, we know that some of you out there have Artemis 2 on the brain (maybe even mor than Team Space.com!) and have been looking for Artemis 2 gear to sport during the mission. We have a new guide for the best Artemis 2 gifts for your aspiring astronauts in case you need some ideas.
Finally, as we close in on what appears to be a pretty solid launch target, we were wondering: Who is Artemis, the namesake of Artemis 2, really? You can see that in this story from writer Samantha Mathewson.
The Space.com team will be bringing you daily updates here through NASA's Artemis 2 launch, as well as throughout its 10-day trip around the moon and back home for an ocean splashdown.
We look forward to sharing the ride and feel free to see Artemis 2's journey to this date in our archives below.
SLS arrives at the pad
NASA's Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket has completed its journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to LC-39B, ending a roughly 10-hour overnight journey.
The rocket and mobile launch platform were carried the 4-mile (6.5 kilometers) by NASA's crawler-transporter 2 vehicle. First motion occurred early this morning inside the VAB, beginning the journey at 12:20 a.m. EDT (0420 GMT).
Now securely at Launch Complex-39B, ground teams will ready the rocket and pad systems for launch window that opens April 1.
Read the full story.
Artemis 2 rollout is underway
NASA has begun rolling its Artemis 2 moon rocket back to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. The Artemis 2 stack — a Space Launch System rocket topped with an Orion crew capsule — began moving toward the pad from KSC's huge Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at 12:20 a.m. EDT (0420 GMT) on Friday (March 20). That was about 4.5 hours later than originally planned, a delay caused by high winds in the area.
The 4-mile (6.4 kilometers) trek from the VAB to Pad 39B is expected to take up to 12 hours. You can watch the whole journey here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA.
After it reaches the pad, Artemis 2 team members will begin prepping the rocket, crew capsule and ground systems for launch, which could happen as soon as April 1. The mission will send four astronauts on a roughly 10-day journey around the moon and back to Earth.
Rollout day has arrived
As of Thursday morning (March 19), NASA is still aiming for this evening to begin the rollout of SLS from the Vehicle Assembly Building, back to the launch pad.
Following the completion of some last minute work ahead of its departure, engineers are targeting 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT, March 20) for first motion of the SLS and mobile launch platform crawler-transporter 2 vehicle.
The journey from the VAB to Launch Complex-39B is expected to take about 12 hours. Watch the rollout live here on Space.com, courtesy of NASA, or directly on the space agency's YouTube channel.
Artemis 2 astronauts enter quarantine
The four Artemis 2 astronauts entered quarantine at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Wednesday (March 18) at 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT; 5 p.m. local time). The quartet "will limit their exposure to others for the next week in Houston, before flying to Kennedy approximately five days before launch, to continue their quarantine from the astronaut crew quarters there," NASA officials said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
"Kennedy" is Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, Artemis 2's launch site. If all goes to plan, the mission will launch on April 1 from KSC's Pad 39B, kicking off a 10-day mission around the moon.
Artemis 2 SLS rocket is rollout ready
SLS is ready to roll back!
NASA's Space Launch System rocket tasked with launching the Artemis 2 mission is ready for transportation from the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, back to Launch Complex-39B.
NASA had targeted March 19 for the rollout, but pushed that to March 20 after additional maintenance on the rocket was required. Now, it seems that work was completed faster than expected, because NASA is once again targeting March 19.
First motion will take place tomorrow evening, around 8 p.m. ET (0000 GMT, March 20), with a roughly 12-hour journey across the 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) between the VAB and LC-39B.
First motion confirmed: SLS begins rollback to VAB
SLS is on the move!
The Artemis 2 launch director issued the "go" order for SLS to begin its journey from Launch Complex-39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center this morning (Feb. 25) at 9:38 a.m. EST (1438 GMT), with first motion confirmed about 10 minutes later, according to a NASA blog post Wednesday morning.
The rollback is expected to take about 12 hours, as SLS travels the four miles between the launchpad and VAB. Once back inside, technicians will lower platforms in the VAB's High Bay 3 to gain entry to SLS's upper stage access ports and begin their diagnosis and repair of helium issues discovered after the rocket's second wet dress rehearsal Feb. 19.
NASA Artemis 2 rocket begins return journey to hangar for repairs
The Artemis 2 Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, standing at Launch Complex-39B since its arrival Jan. 17, is about to begin the slow journey back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for repairs.
NASA had targeted a launch window beginning March 6 for the earliest opportunity to launch SLS with its Orion spacecraft carrying the astronauts of Artemis 2 on a 10-day mission around the moon, but a helium issue that arose after the rocket's most recent fueling test has prompted a rollback to the VAB and a push of the mission's launch window to April.
Artemis 2 ground teams are targeting 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) for first motion of SLS on its mobile launch platform, as it begins a 12-hour journey over the four miles between LC-39B and the VAB. Once safely back in the hangar, engineers will lower access platforms inside the massive building to gain access to SLS's Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), in order to address the issue.
Artemis 2 crew to attend State of the Union address as NASA prepares SLS rollback
Teams at NASA's Kennedy Space Center continue work at Launch Complex-39B to prepare the Artemis 2 Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and mobile launch platform (MLP) to roll the vehicle back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repair, with first motion expected tomorrow morning (Feb. 25) at 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT).
In the meantime, the Artemis 2 crew, assuredly not launching during their mission's March window, are released from their pre-launch quarantine and free to move about the world as their astronaut schedules permit. Tonight, that schedule will be taking them to the U.S. Capitol for President Trump's State of the Union address, according to an Axios report.
At the invitation of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), the Artemis 2 crew will be in the crowd this evening as the President updates the country on its current affairs. Johnson's state of Louisiana is home to NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, in New Orleans, where much of SLS is constructed before being shipped to KSC for vehicle integration and launch.
The upcoming Artemis 2 mission to launch astronauts on a 10-day mission around the moon is lifting off on SLS, and the crew's attendance tonight at Johnson's invitation will no doubt serve as an excellent symbol of Louisiana's contributions to the national stage.
"It is my privilege to welcome these brave and courageous astronauts as my guests at the State of the Union Address," Johnson said in a statement to Axios.
Artemis 2 rollback targeted for 9 a.m. ET on Feb. 25
NASA has set a target time for the rollback of its Artemis 2 moon rocket — 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) on Wednesday (Feb. 25).
At around that time, Artemis 2's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule will begin the 4-mile (6.4 kilometers) trek from Launch Pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo will make the journey, which could take up to 12 hours, atop NASA's massive Crawler Transporter-2 vehicle.
NASA is rolling Artemis 2 back to troubleshoot an issue with the SLS — an interruption in the flow of helium in the rocket's upper stage.
"Once back in the VAB, teams will immediately begin work to install platforms to access the area of the helium flow issue," NASA wrote in an update on Tuesday (Feb. 24). "Teams also will take advantage of the time in the VAB to replace batteries in the flight termination system and retest it, and replace additional batteries in the upper stage."
This work will ground the rocket until at least April 1, when the next Artemis 2 launch window opens.
NASA to roll Artemis 2 moon rocket off launch pad on Feb. 25
NASA plans to roll its Artemis 2 moon rocket off Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Launch Pad 39B on Wednesday (Feb. 25). The agency had been eyeing Tuesday (Feb. 24) for the operation, but Mother Nature didn't cooperate.
"Cold temperatures and high winds are expected Tuesday, and rolling on Feb. 25 gives teams enough time to complete preparations at the launch pad that were limited today by high winds in the area," NASA officials wrote in an update on Monday evening (Feb. 23).
NASA is rolling the Artemis 2 stack back to KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to troubleshoot an issue with the Space Launch System rocket — specifically, a problem with helium flow in the vehicle's upper stage. It could take up to 12 hours for NASA's Crawler Transporter 2 vehicle, which will carry the Artemis 2 stack, to make the 4-mile (6.4 kilometers) trek from Pad 39B to the VAB.
The rollback takes the March launch window out of play for Artemis 2. The earliest the moon mission could now launch is April 1, though NASA has not said it is targeting that date.
NASA rollback of Artemis 2 rocket to VAB possible this week
On this page, we'll chronicle the move of the Artemis 2 rocket, called the Space Launch System, back into NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. The move, called a "rollback," is scheduled to begin no earlier than Tuesday, Feb. 24, but only if the weather allows.
We'll have updates on this page as they are available.
"Teams are reviewing the exact time to begin the approximately 4 mile, multi-hour trek," NASA wrote on Sunday.
Artemis 2 arrives at launch pad for moon launch
🚀 Our moonbound Artemis II rocket is on its launch pad! The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft rolled out from @NASAKennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building, reaching Launch Pad 39B at 6:42pm ET (2342 UTC). Read more: https://t.co/NdRCRBfQGA pic.twitter.com/1oATLb7sTDJanuary 18, 2026
After more than 11 hours, NASA's might Artemis 2 moon rocket has arrived at it new launch pad home for the first time.
The Space Launch System rocket that will launch NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts around the moon arrived at its pad at Launch Complex 36B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida at 6:42 p.m. EST (2342 GMT), more than 11 1/2 hours after leaving its Vehicle Assembly Building hangar.
"In the coming days, engineers and technicians will prepare the Artemis II rocket for the wet dress rehearsal, a test of fueling operations and countdown procedures," NASA officials said in an update. "At the end of January, the team will load the rocket with cryogenic, or super-cold, propellants, run through the countdown, and practice safely draining the propellants from the rocket – all essential steps before the first crewed Artemis mission."
That fueling test is actually scheduled for Feb. 2, just days ahead of theopening of NASA's first Artemis 2 launch window on Feb. 6.
"Additional wet dress rehearsals may be required to ensure the vehicle is completely checked out and ready for flight," NASA wrote. "If needed, NASA may rollback SLS and Orion to the Vehicle Assembly Building for additional work ahead of launch after the wet dress rehearsal."
With the Artemis 2 SLS at the launch pad, this will be our final post of the day.
Thanks for joining us for our live coverage of the SLS rollout and have a great weekend!
Artemis 2 rocket continues toward launch pad in hour five
The NASA team behind the scenes making Artemis II possible. Thank you. https://t.co/B699LjmWTLJanuary 17, 2026
NASA has now passed the five-hour mark of today's Artemis 2 moon rocket roll out to the launch pad. We should be just over halfway to the pad, or slightly more than halfway, depending on if NASA's progress is following its eight-hour schedule or 10-hour plan. Here's a wrap on how things havce gone so far:
NASA rolls Artemis 2 rocket to the pad ahead of historic moon launch
NASA said it could take between 8-10 hours for the Artemis 2 Space Launch System to reach the pad due to the slow and steady pace of its Crawler Transporter, which moves at a top speed of 1 mile per hour, but does go slower on the turn toward Launch Pad 39B, as well as on the incline up to the pad.
That slow pace is necessary to keep the massive 11 million pound load of the 322-foot-tall SLS rocket and its Mobile Launch Platform stable.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has taken the time to thank the vast team supprting today's rollout for Artemis 2.
"Thanks to all those who have worked hard to get Artemis II to the pad! Just a few more hours to go," Isaacman wrote in a social media post.
"The NASA team behind the scenes making Artemis II possible. Thank you.," he added.
Artemis 2 rocket creeps along toward launch pad
NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket, the second-ever Space Launch System booster, is slowly making progress along the 4-mile journey to its Florida pad at Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
It's a slow roll for the Artemis 2 SLS. NASA's giant Crawler Transporter 2 carrier vehicle is carrying the 11 million pound stack at about 1 mile an hour. That's it's top speed. The massive carrier vehicle was originally built to move NASA's Saturn V rockets in the Apollo era, and later moved space shuttles to the pad as well.
Here's a video of the 32-story rocket as it emerged from NASA's cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building earlier today.
Artemis 2 moon rocket emerges from giant hangar
As we near the 2-hour mark of NASA's up to 10-hour move of the Artemis 2 rocket to its Florida launch pad, the 322-foot-tall Space Launch System is fully visible and has exited its massive Vehicle Assembly Building hangar.
Above is an amazing image from Space.com's Josh Dinner at the Kennedy Space Center as he's monitoring the rollout to Pad 39B.
Here's a video update from Josh via the Space.com TikTok channel.
"The place is basically a rocket cathedral," Dinner says of the VAB.
First motion for Artemis 2 rollout!
NASA reports that the towering Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket is officially on the move.
First motion for today's rollout occurred at 7:04 a.m. EST (1204 GMT) as the huge rocket began its daylong trip to the launch pad. It is about 4 miles to Pad 39B from NASA's 52-stroy Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where the SLS for Artemis 2 was stacked and assembled.
"It takes us a little while to get out of the building, but about an hour after we get that first motion, you'll begin to see this beautiful vehicle cross over the threshold of the VAB and come outside for the world to have a look," Artemis 2 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said Friday.
Here's a look at our report from Friday's Artemis 2 press conference:
Rollout day begins for NASA's Artemis 2
Space.com's Josh Dinner is on the scene and shared a first update before dawn at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
How to watch NASA's Artemis 2 rocket rollout
Here's our full guide from Spaceflight Editor Mike Wall:
Watch NASA roll huge Artemis 2 moon rocket out to the launch pad on Jan. 17
And here is a bit of a preview from our reporter on the seen, Josh Dinner:
Now that we're all set for rollout, this will be our final post of the day.
Thanks for joining us and we'll see you bright an early on Saturday for rollout.
NASA Artemis 2 rollout briefing ends
Overall, it appears NASA is ready to move the 322-foot-tall Space Launch System rocket out to Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Jan. 17, but time appears tight for the space agency's hope to launch the four Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon in February as planned.
Artemis 2 is NASA's first crewed Artemis mission and the first astronaut mission to the moon in over 50 years. As such, a series of tests on both the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the mission must go well before it will be clear for astronauts to fly on then.
NASA has launched an SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft before, on the Artemis 1 mission in November 2022, but that was an uncrewed test flight. The Orion spacecraft on Artemis 2 is the first to include many life support systems to sustain astronuts on the 10-day mission.
NASA also wants to complete a fueling test on Feb. 2 that will help the space agency decide if it can proceed with a February launch. The February launch window is limited to a series of days between Feb. 6-10.
It took three attempts to launch Artemis 1, with fuel leaks contributing to two delays. NASA believe its has fixes in place, but needs to test them before Artemis 2 can launch.
If Artemis 2 is unable to launch in February, NASA can try again in March and April.
Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said NASA has launch opportunities every month for Artemis 2, ranging from a few days to up to a week.
Artemis 2 rocket ready for rollout, fueling test set
NASA's huge Crawler Carrier vehicle - originally built for the Apollo Saturn V missions (like the VAB) - will haul the rocket and launch platform out to the pad.
Artemis 2 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson says NASA plans to conduct a fueling test, called a "wet dress rehearsal," on Feb. 2. Based on the rocket's performance during that test, NASA will decide if Artemis 2 will be ready for a Feb. 6 launch.
The February launch window runs from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10. In addition to the fueling tests, NASA will need to perform a series of SLS and Orion spacecraft checks, as well a run through with Artemis 2 astronaut crew.
NASA Artemis 2 rollout press conference begins
- John Honeycutt, Artemis II mission management team chair
- Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, Exploration Ground Systems
- Jeff Radigan, Artemis II lead flight director, Flight Operations Directorate
- Lili Villarreal, landing and recovery director, Exploration Ground Systems
- Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate
"I will say, it really doesn't get much better than this," Honeycutt says in opening remarks." This is making history."
NASA to hold press conference on Artemis 2 rollout
Hello, Space Fans! NASA is one day away from its historic rollout of the Artemis 2 rocket that will carry four astronauts to the moon for the first time in over 50 years.
The Artemis 2 rocket, NASA's second Space Launch System booster, is currently scheduled to head out to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7 a.m. EST (1200 GMT). It should take several hours for the towering 322-foot rocket to reach the launch pad.
Space.com's Josh Dinner is on the scene at Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis 2 rollout, and will share insights on what the view is like there.
But first, NASA will hold a press conference today at 12 p.m. EST (1700 GMT) to discuss the Artemis 2 rollout, plans for the Feb. 6 launch of the 10-day mission around the moon.
You can watch that press conference live in the window above.
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