NASA is preparing its first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years: launch possible in February

NASA is completing preparations for the historic Artemis II mission — the first crewed journey to the Moon since the Apollo program in 1972. The launch window opens on February 6, but the final date will be determined after the launch dress rehearsal.

What is known

Preparations are currently underway for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft to be transported to launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. The journey from the assembly building to the launch pad will take up to 12 hours. Transportation of the rocket to the launch position could begin on January 17, weather permitting and if no new technical issues arise.

The Artemis 2 mission will last 10 days. Four astronauts will be on board, testing Orion's life support systems during two orbits around Earth.

In January, NASA will conduct a launch dress rehearsal. As part of the check, cryogenic components will be loaded into the rocket, and a complete countdown will be performed. This is part of standard preparations before the spacecraft is launched into space.