Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at left, NASA Artemis launch director; and Jeremy Graeber, assistant Artemis launch director, monitor the terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis II mission inside Firing Room at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here, from left to right, is Bubba Howard and Lisa DeVries, who are in charge of the safety console.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a cryogenic simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Cryogenic simulations allow team members the opportunity to practice loading propellant – liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – onto the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a cryogenic simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Cryogenic simulations allow team members the opportunity to practice loading propellant – liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – onto the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis I launch team participate in a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on April 14, 2022, inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal is the final major test before launch and allows the team to run through all countdown operations prior to liftoff. The first in an increasingly complex series of missions, Artemis I will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at left, monitors data inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on Sept. 21, 2022. At right is Wes Mosedale, technical assistant to the launch director. Behind them is Jeremy Graeber, Artemis I assistant launch director. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. It marked the first time these teams conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before.
Members of the Artemis I launch team monitor data at their consoles inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on Sept. 21, 2022. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here is Daniel Florez, NASA test director.
Members of the Artemis launch team pose for a holiday group photo in Firing Room 2 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Teams participated in a cryogenic and terminal count simulation for Artemis II. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
From left, John Kracsun and Keith Lawton, test conductors for contractor Jacobs, and Melissa Jones, Landing and Recovery director, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems, participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
From left, Scott Cieslak, NASA umbilical operations and testing technical lead, and Elliot Payne, arms & umbilical systems and optics engineer for contractor Jacobs, participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here is Wes Mosedale, the technical assistant to Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.
Members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. It marked the first time these teams conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. It marked the first time these two teams conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, center left, NASA Artemis launch director; and Jeremy Graeber, center right, assistant Artemis launch director, along with members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis I launch team participate in a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on April 14, 2022, inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal is the final major test before launch and allows the team to run through all countdown operations prior to liftoff. The first in an increasingly complex series of missions, Artemis I will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in an Artemis II Terminal Count Simulation in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Teams practiced running through the last hours of launch countdown as part of an integrated ground systems test the Exploration Ground Systems team is undergoing to prepare for Artemis II. This particular operation focused on testing the updated launch control system software the Artemis launch team uses to launch the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis I launch team monitor data at their consoles inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on Sept. 21, 2022. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Dr. Sharmi Watkins, Artemis I deputy chief medical officer, participates in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Melissa Jones, Landing and Recovery director, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems, participates in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, Exploration Ground Systems at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participates in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an integrated launch countdown simulation for Artemis II inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The training exercise involved engineers from Kennedy, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Johnson Space Center in Houston coming together to rehearse all aspects of the launch countdown, from cryogenic loading – filling tanks in the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – to liftoff. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, standing, leads a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 21, 2022. Seated at his console is Wes Mosedale, technical assistant to the launch director. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of Artemis I imagery console participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. It marked the first time NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
From left, Beverly Case, handling, mechanics & structures engineer for contractor Jacobs, and David Valletta, NASA ignition overpressure protection and sound suppression engineer, participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Mike Bolger; front; manager; NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems; and Chris Cianciola; NASA’s Space Launch System Program deputy manager at Marshall Space Flight Center; participate in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14; 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team; launch team; and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I; the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions; the agency; along with commercial and international partners; will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Members of the Artemis I launch team monitor data at their consoles inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on Sept. 21, 2022. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of the Artemis I launch team participate in a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on April 14, 2022, inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal is the final major test before launch and allows the team to run through all countdown operations prior to liftoff. The first in an increasingly complex series of missions, Artemis I will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a cryogenic simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Cryogenic simulations allow team members the opportunity to practice loading propellant – liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – onto the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here is Teresa Annulis, assistant SLS test conductor.
Dr. Sharmi Watkins, Artemis I deputy chief medical officer, participates in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at right, monitors data inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on Sept. 21, 2022. Seated at his console is Wes Mosedale, technical assistant to the launch director. At left is Jeremy Graeber, Artemis I assistant launch director. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in an Artemis II Terminal Count Simulation in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Teams practiced running through the last hours of launch countdown as part of an integrated ground systems test the Exploration Ground Systems team is undergoing to prepare for Artemis II. This particular operation focused on testing the updated launch control system software the Artemis launch team uses to launch the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems, participates in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Members of the Artemis launch team pose for a holiday group photo in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Teams participated in a cryogenic and terminal count simulation for Artemis II. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis launch team pose for a holiday group photo in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Teams participated in a cryogenic and terminal count simulation for Artemis II. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA Artemis launch director, monitors the terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis II mission inside Firing Room at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Wes Mosedale, technical assistant to the Artemis I launch director, participates in a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on April 14, 2022, inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal is the final major test before launch and allows the launch team to run through all countdown operations prior to liftoff. The first in an increasingly complex series of missions, Artemis I will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon.
Artemis launch team members participate in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
From left to right, Artemis launch team members Emily Eilish, Clare Hadley, and Holly Wells participate in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
An Artemis launch team member participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis II launch director, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team pose for a photograph following the completion of the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis II launch director, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Kevin Todaro, Artemis launch team member, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Madison Schmaltz, Artemis launch team member, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Alora Mazarakis, Artemis launch team member, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis II launch director, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis II launch director, participates in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
From left, Dan Florez, NASA test director, and Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director, participate in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation conducted by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
An American flag displays inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center while members of NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems participate in the Artemis II terminal count simulation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The terminal count simulation runs through the final five hours of launch countdown, include terminal count - the remaining 10 minutes of the countdown - for NASA’s Artemis II test flight which will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Artemis launch team members participate in a cryogenic propellant loading simulation on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team rehearse the steps to load the super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage, a process that starts approximately nine hours before liftoff for the Artemis II mission. The test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
An Artemis launch team member participates in a cryogenic propellant loading simulation on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team rehearse the steps to load the super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage, a process that starts approximately nine hours before liftoff for the Artemis II mission. The test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Alex Pandelos, ground launch sequencer operator, participates in a cryogenic propellant loading simulation on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team rehearse the steps to load the super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage, a process that starts approximately nine hours before liftoff for the Artemis II mission. The test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Artemis launch team members participate in a cryogenic propellant loading simulation on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members of NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems team rehearse the steps to load the super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage, a process that starts approximately nine hours before liftoff for the Artemis II mission. The test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than no later than April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Lili Villarreal, Artemis II landing and recovery director in Exploration Ground Systems, participates in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
Josh Jones, Artemis launch team member, participates in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
A member of the Artemis launch team participates in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
A member of the Artemis launch team participates in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 2 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
A member of the Artemis launch team participates in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
A member of the Artemis launch team participates in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth from Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy.
From left, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II mission specialist; Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson; NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander; and NASA astronaut Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist; and NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot (not pictured), participate in the second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 at the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal allows the Artemis II launch team to run through operations to load propellant, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch.
Members of the Artemis launch team pose for a holiday group photo in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Teams participated in a cryogenic and terminal count simulation for Artemis II. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Mike Bolger, manager, Exploration Ground Systems, participates in the 11th terminal countdown simulation for the Artemis I launch inside Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Control Center on Oct. 14, 2021. The event marked the first time members of NASA’s mission management team, launch team, and contractor Jacobs conducted the simulation together. During Artemis I, the agency’s Orion spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy aboard NASA’s most powerful rocket – the Space Launch System – to fly farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown. Through NASA’s Artemis missions, the agency, along with commercial and international partners, will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, left, and Assistant Launch Director Jeremy Graeber participate in a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on April 14, 2022, inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal is the final major test before launch and allows the launch team to run through all countdown operations prior to liftoff. The first in an increasingly complex series of missions, Artemis I will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here is Assistant Launch Director Jeremy Graeber and Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.
Members of the Artemis launch team pose for a holiday group photo in Firing Room 2 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Teams participated in a cryogenic and terminal count simulation for Artemis II. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make any necessary adjustments during countdown operations. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis I Assistant Launch Director Jeremy Graeber helps lead a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 21, 2022. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in a terminal countdown simulation for Artemis II in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here is Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.
Artemis teams conduct the final simulation for the Artemis I mission inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 4, 2022. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. During the flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft for humans has ever flown. The spacecraft will stay in space longer than any human spacecraft has without docking to the International Space Station and return home faster than ever before. Shown here is Melissa Jones, Artemis I landing and recovery director.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson leads a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 21, 2022. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, Exploration Ground Systems, participates an Artemis II Terminal Count Simulation in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Teams practiced running through the last hours of launch countdown as part of an integrated ground systems test the Exploration Ground Systems team is undergoing to prepare for Artemis II. This particular operation focused on testing the updated launch control system software the Artemis launch team uses to launch the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis launch team participate in an Artemis II Terminal Count Simulation in Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Teams practiced running through the last hours of launch countdown as part of an integrated ground systems test the Exploration Ground Systems team is undergoing to prepare for Artemis II. This particular operation focused on testing the updated launch control system software the Artemis launch team uses to launch the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Members of the Artemis I launch team participate in a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on April 14, 2022, inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal is the final major test before launch and allows the team to run through all countdown operations prior to liftoff. The first in an increasingly complex series of missions, Artemis I will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system prior to crewed flights to the Moon.
An Artemis launch team member participates in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
John Blevins, SLS (Space Launch System) rocket chief engineer, participates in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Jeremy Graeber, Artemis assistant launch director within NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Joe Pavicic, operations project engineer within the Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
An Artemis launch team member participates in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Mike Guzman, main propulsion systems engineer participates in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.
Artemis launch team members participate in an Artemis II launch countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The simulations go through launch day scenarios to help launch team members test software and make adjustments if needed during countdown operations. For Artemis II, four astronauts will venture around the Moon, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration through Artemis.