NASA Prepares for Artemis II Moon Rocket Simulation

Potential launch as early as Saturday as engineers test systems ahead of crewed mission.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:39pm

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NASA is preparing to conduct a simulated launch test of its Artemis II mega moon rocket as early as this Saturday, January 31st. The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts, including the first woman, around the moon in a 10-day flight as a precursor to the Artemis III lunar landing. The upcoming simulation is part of final preparations before NASA confirms a launch date, and will include a 'wet dress rehearsal' to test fueling the rocket.

Why it matters

The Artemis program marks the first time in over 50 years that NASA will send humans back to the moon, with the goal of establishing a sustainable lunar presence by 2028. The Artemis II mission is a critical step, testing systems and procedures ahead of the planned Artemis III moon landing. The mission also represents a milestone for diversity in spaceflight, with the first woman set to travel to the lunar surface.

The details

NASA has rolled out the Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 322-foot tall rocket and spacecraft will undergo a wet dress rehearsal to test fueling procedures, followed by a simulated countdown and launch scheduled for 9 PM EST on Saturday. The test could run until around 1 AM EST. NASA is also working to address some issues, including with the Orion spacecraft's potable water system.

  • The wet dress rehearsal and simulated launch are scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The Artemis II mission is targeted to launch as early as February 6, 2026.

The players

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the country's civilian space program, aeronautics, and space research.

Artemis II

The second mission in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send the first woman and next man to the lunar surface by 2028.

Space Launch System (SLS)

NASA's new heavy-lift rocket that will power the Artemis missions to the Moon.

Orion

The crew capsule that will transport astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis program.

Reid Wiseman

NASA astronaut who will serve as commander of the Artemis II mission.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The upcoming Artemis II simulation is a critical step in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the Moon, testing systems and procedures ahead of the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The mission also marks a historic milestone for diversity in spaceflight, with the first woman set to travel to the lunar surface.