NASA Moves Artemis 2 Rocket System to Launch Pad for Upcoming Moon Mission

NASA has transported the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule for the Artemis 2 mission to launch pad 39B at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The four-member crew has entered pre-launch quarantine. The mission aims to perform a flyby of the Moon, with the Orion spacecraft observing the lunar surface from approximately 7,000 kilometers without entering orbit. The flight is set to last ten days and serves as a precursor to Artemis 3, planned for lunar landing.

Published Mar 21, 2026

NASA has successfully moved the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion capsule to launch pad 39B at Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking a significant step towards the Artemis 2 mission. The crew, consisting of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Flight Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Flight Specialist Jeremy Hansen, has begun pre-launch quarantine.

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The mission will involve a flyby of the Moon at an altitude of about 7,000 kilometers, allowing the crew three hours of observation. The mission duration is expected to be ten days and will test systems before the planned Artemis 3 lunar landing. NASA has rescheduled the launch window to open on April 1 and close on April 6, following previous delays due to technical issues.