Artemis II poster_11x17_300ppi_CMYK_Right
Stylized poster for NASA's Artemis II mission.
This graphic shows the time, speed, and altitude of key events from launch of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft and ascent to space, through Orion's perigee raise burn during the Artemis II test flight.
Stylized poster for NASA's Artemis II mission
The Moon is seen shining over the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 28, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II. 508 Description:The Moon is seen shining over the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 29, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
The Moon is seen behind the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 28, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II. 508 Description:The Moon is seen shining over the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 29, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
The sun is seen setting behind NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 31, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
The sun setting NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 31, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
The sun sets behind NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets behind NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets behind NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets behind NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets behind NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The Moon is seen shining over the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 29, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
508 DESCRIPTION: The sun sets behind NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
A photo shows a closeup view of the White Room connected to the crew access arm of the Orion spacecraft with launch abort system atop NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. The White Room is the small, environmentally controlled area where Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency) will make final preparations before climbing into the Orion spacecraft for launch of the Artemis II test flight.
A photo shows a closeup view of the White Room connected to the crew access arm of the Orion spacecraft with launch abort system atop NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. The White Room is the small, environmentally controlled area where Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency) will make final preparations before climbing into the Orion spacecraft for launch of the Artemis II test flight.
The sun sets on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
The sun sets on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sky glows with warm shades of orange and pink, silhouetting the towering rocket and its solid rocket boosters against the fading light. Photographed on January 31, 2026, the scene captures teams preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, rehearsing launch countdown timelines and procedures as day turns to night.
IOP/SS Prototype Testing outside the VAB for Artemis II.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA Artemis launch director, leads the first launch simulation for the Artemis II mission inside Firing Room at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 20, 2023. A team of engineers with Exploration Ground Systems and Jacobs, are rehearsing the steps to launch NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II crewed mission. Artemis II will be the first mission with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
The Moon is seen shining over the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on February 1, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical on mobile launcher 1 at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical on mobile launcher 1 at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical on mobile launcher 1 at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical on mobile launcher 1 at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A closeup view shows the NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft on mobile launcher 1 at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft on mobile launcher 1 at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A closeup view shows the NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A closeup view shows the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system for NASA’s Artemis II test flight at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by its upper stage booster – the interim cryogenic propulsion stage – stands atop the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign and is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future human missions to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by its upper stage booster – the interim cryogenic propulsion stage – stands atop the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign and is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future human missions to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by its upper stage booster – the interim cryogenic propulsion stage – stands atop the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign and is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future human missions to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by its upper stage booster – the interim cryogenic propulsion stage – stands atop the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign and is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future human missions to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by its upper stage booster – the interim cryogenic propulsion stage – stands atop the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign and is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future human missions to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket topped by its upper stage booster – the interim cryogenic propulsion stage – stands atop the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign and is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future human missions to Mars.
A team of NASA and Jacobs engineers are on console for the first Artemis II launch simulation inside Firing Room at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 20, 2023. The team is rehearsing the steps to launch NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II crewed mission. Artemis II will be the first mission with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
A team of NASA and Jacobs engineers are on console for the first Artemis II launch simulation inside Firing Room at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 20, 2023. The team is rehearsing the steps to launch NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II crewed mission. Artemis II will be the first mission with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assemble on the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assemble on the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assemble on the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
A close-up view of one of the parts of the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians work on the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assemble on the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assemble on the Optical Communications System for the Artemis II mission on June 2, 2023. Optical communications is the latest space communications technology that is able to provide data rates as much as a hundred times higher than current systems. This will allow astronauts to send and receive ultra-high-definition video from the surface of the Moon or other planets such as Mars. Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at left, NASA Artemis launch director; and Jeremy Graeber, assistant Artemis launch director, monitor the first launch simulation for the Artemis II mission inside Firing Room at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 20, 2023. A team of engineers with Exploration Ground Systems and Jacobs, are rehearsing the steps to launch NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II crewed mission. Artemis II will be the first mission with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
Artemis launch team members are on console inside Firing Room 1 at the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the first Artemis II launch simulation on July 20, 2023. Sitting in the foreground is NASA Test Director Sharif Abdel-Magid. Standing in the background is Carlos Monge, branch chief for Test, Launch, and Recovery Operations. A team of engineers with Exploration Ground Systems and Jacobs, are rehearsing the steps to launch NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II crewed mission. Artemis II will be the first mission with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
An Artemis II crew member exits the Artemis II Orion crew module inside the high bay of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2023. The crew module is undergoing acoustic testing ahead of integration with the European Service Module. The Artemis II crew features Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Hammock Koch, mission specialist; and Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist. Artemis II is the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration under Artemis.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop stands vertical in the background with a 1.4-million-gallon, 83-foot-wide, liquid hydrogen sphere in the foreground at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Liquid hydrogen is the primary fuel for the core stage and upper stage of the SLS. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop stands vertical in the background of the emergency egress system at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. The emergency egress system is an abort system for personnel to climb into four baskets of the mobile launcher to the base of the pad in the unlikely event of an emergency at the launch pad. 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.
Two tail service masts, each about three stories tall, provide cryogenic propellant lines and electrical cable connections to NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) core stage rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows one of the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, core stage, Orion spacecraft, and launch abort system of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows one of the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, core stage, Orion spacecraft, and launch abort system of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop stands vertical in the background with a 1.4-million-gallon, 83-foot-wide, liquid hydrogen sphere in the foreground at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Liquid hydrogen is the primary fuel for the core stage and upper stage of the SLS. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system atop stands vertical in the background of the emergency egress system at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. The emergency egress system is an abort system for personnel to climb into four baskets of the mobile launcher to the base of the pad in the unlikely event of an emergency at the launch pad. 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.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft is seen from underneath a lightning tower at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. At nearly 600 feet, three towers are positioned around the perimeter of the pad to provide lightning protection for launch vehicles. 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.
A side view shows one of the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, core stage, Orion spacecraft, and launch abort system of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows one of the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, core stage, Orion spacecraft, and launch abort system of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows one of the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, core stage, Orion spacecraft, and launch abort system of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
A side view shows one of the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters, core stage, Orion spacecraft, and launch abort system of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. 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.
Members from NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War perform a final simulation of the Artemis II splashdown, called a just-in-time training, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at sunset on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. The teams will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth, and during the training the teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Members from NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War perform a final simulation of the Artemis II splashdown, called a just-in-time training, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. The teams will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth, and during the training the teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Members from NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War perform a final simulation of the Artemis II splashdown, called a just-in-time training, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. The teams will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth, and during the training the teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Members from NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War perform a final simulation of the Artemis II splashdown, called a just-in-time training, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. The teams will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth, and during the training the teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Shown inside the high bay of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 7, 2023, is the Orion crew module for NASA’s Artemis II mission. The crew module is undergoing acoustic testing ahead of integration with the European Service Module. The Artemis II crew features Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Hammock Koch, mission specialist; and Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist. Artemis II is the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration under Artemis.
Artemis II NASA astronaut Christina Koch greets members of the Artemis launch team inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 7, 2023. Koch and fellow Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen are at the center to meet workers and tour facilities. The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, for the first time with astronauts and will pave the way for lunar surface missions, including landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
Artemis launch team members listen to Artemis II astronauts during their visit to Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 7, 2023. Artemis II NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen are at the center to greet workers and tour facilities. The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, for the first time with astronauts and will pave the way for lunar surface missions, including landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
The sun sets as Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist participate in the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
A full Moon is seen shining over NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher in the early hours of February 1, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
Artemis II NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, in the center, and Jeremy Hansen, at right, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) Artemis II astronaut, talk with members of the Exploration Ground Systems team inside the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building during a visit to the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 7, 2023. The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, for the first time with astronauts and will pave the way for lunar surface missions, including landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
Artemis II crew members inspect their Orion crew module inside the high bay of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Aug. 7, 2023. Pictured from left are Christina Hammock Koch, mission specialist, and Victor Glover, pilot. The crew module is undergoing acoustic testing ahead of integration with the European Service Module. Artemis II is the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration under Artemis.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Off the coast of California, NASA’s Artemis Landing and Recovery team and the Department of War that will work together to retrieve the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean are performing a final simulation of their activities, called a just-in-time training, at sea on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. During the training, teams use the Crew Module Test Article, a full-scale mockup of the Orion spacecraft, to simulate as close as possible the conditions they can expect to encounter during splashdown of the Artemis II mission. NASA’s first crewed test flight in the Artemis campaign, the approximately 10-day Artemis II mission will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and farther than any humans have ever been from Earth.
Technicians inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building power on the Orion crew module for the Artemis II mission for the first time at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 27, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a trip around the Moon during the first crewed Artemis flight, helping set the stage for future lunar landings. Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon and establish long-term lunar exploration in preparation for missions to Mars.
Artemis II NASA astronauts were at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 7, 2023. CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen talks with members of the Artemis launch team inside Firing Room 1 of the Launch Control Center. Hansen and fellow Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman are at the center to meet workers and tour facilities. The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, for the first time with astronauts and will pave the way for lunar surface missions, including landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
Crew members and backup members for NASA’s Artemis II mission and teams from the agency’s Exploration Ground Systems Program participate in emergency egress training at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. From left, Andre Douglas, NASA’s Artemis II backup crew member; CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jenni Gibbons, Artemis II backup crew member; NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot; NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander; NASA astronaut Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist; and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II mission specialist sit in the back of a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, or MRAP. Originally designed for military applications, the 45,000-pound MRAP offers a mobile bunker for astronauts and ground crews in the unlikely event they must get away from the launch pad quickly in an emergency.
Lunar science lead for Artemis II and Artemis II science officer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, Kelsey Young, stands in the lunar-like landscape of Iceland during an Artemis II crew geology field training.
The astronaut transport vehicle carrying Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist is seen as it approaches the Vehicle Assembly Building during the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The sun rises shortly before Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist participate in the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The astronaut transport vehicle carrying Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist is seen as it departs the Vehicle Assembly Building following the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams simulated the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The sun rises shortly before Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist participate in the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The astronaut transport vehicle carrying Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist is seen as it departs the Vehicle Assembly Building following the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams simulated the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The astronaut transport vehicle carrying Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist is seen as it departs the Vehicle Assembly Building following the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams simulated the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The astronaut transport vehicle carrying Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist is seen as it approaches the Vehicle Assembly Building during the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The astronaut transport vehicle carrying Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist is seen as it approaches the Vehicle Assembly Building during the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The sun rises shortly before Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist participate in the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)
The elevator button for the 275-foot level of the mobile launcher is seen teams prepare for Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; to arrive and board their Orion spacecraft atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket during the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
Will Sattler of the Closeout Crew is seen on the crew access arm just outside of the white room awaiting the arrival of Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; at the 275-foot level of the mobile launcher as they prepare to board their Orion spacecraft atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket during the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
Artemis II crewmember NASA astronaut Christina Koch, mission specialist, is seen inside the white room at the 275-foot level of the mobile launcher she and fellow crewmates NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist, prepare to board their Orion spacecraft atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket during the Artemis II countdown demonstration test, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For this operation, the Artemis II crew and launch teams are simulating the launch day timeline including suit-up, walkout, and spacecraft ingress and egress. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A full Moon is seen shining over NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher in the early hours of February 1, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
A side view shows the SLS (Space Launch System) Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter, Orion Stage Adapter, Orion spacecraft, and Launch Abort System of NASA’s Artemis II rocket at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. 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.