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NASA has transferred its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to the launch pad in preparation for its first crewed mission around the Moon since 1972, with a potential launch as early as February. The 98-meter tall rocket, weighing five million kilograms, began its six-kilometer journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center.

Thousands gathered to witness the event, marking the first crewed flight following the uncrewed Artemis I mission in November 2022. Astronauts will not land on the Moon during this mission, which precedes a planned lunar landing on the third Artemis flight in the coming years.

NASA is currently organizing a campaign for people worldwide to submit their names to be included on an SD card in the Orion capsule. The crew will include astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. NASA plans to conduct a fueling test for the SLS rocket in early February before confirming a launch date.