NASA Moon Rocket Reaches Launch Pad for Artemis II Mission
Final preparations begin in Florida
CAPE CANAVERAL — NASA has moved its powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking a key milestone ahead of the Artemis II mission, the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than five decades.
The rocket, standing 98 meters tall, traveled vertically from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad. The journey covered four miles (6.5 kilometers) and took nearly 12 hours to complete.
Testing phase now underway
With the rocket now in position, NASA will begin a series of final checks and system tests. These steps include a full dress rehearsal, which will simulate launch-day conditions before officials approve the mission.
Once cleared, Artemis II will carry four astronauts on a 10-day mission, during which the crew will fly around the Moon without landing.
Launch window announced
NASA said the earliest possible launch date is February 6. However, the agency has also identified additional launch opportunities later in February, as well as in March and April, depending on technical readiness and weather conditions.
The mission is a critical step in NASA’s broader plan to return humans to the Moon and prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.
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