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NASA is set to roll out its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, scheduled for January 17, 2026. The rollout will cover 4 miles to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, taking up to 12 hours.

The Artemis II mission will involve a 10-day crewed flight around the Moon, testing systems for future lunar landings. The launch window is from February 5 to April 2026. The Orion capsule will carry four astronauts, including the first woman and first African American on a NASA lunar mission. This mission aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and serve as a precursor for Mars exploration.