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NASA Delays Artemis 2 Pre-Launch Test Due to Cold Snap
The wet dress rehearsal for the Space Launch System was pushed back due to frigid weather in Florida.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:31pm
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NASA has delayed an important pre-launch test for the upcoming Artemis 2 moon mission due to a cold snap in Florida. The wet dress rehearsal, a full simulation of the launch countdown, was originally scheduled to start on Thursday but has been pushed back by two days due to the cold weather moving into the area. The delay also pushes back the potential launch date for Artemis 2 to no earlier than February 8.
Why it matters
The wet dress rehearsal is a critical step in preparing the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis 2 mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon. Any delays or issues with the rehearsal could push back the actual launch date, which has already faced setbacks in the past.
The details
The wet dress rehearsal was originally scheduled to start on Thursday, January 30, with the 49-hour simulated launch countdown beginning on Friday, January 31. Crews were then supposed to start the tanking operation on Saturday night for a potential launch on February 6 or 7. However, the cold weather has moved the start of the countdown to January 31, with the end now expected around 9 PM ET on February 2. Tanking is now expected to start on Monday, February 3. This delay pushes the earliest possible launch date to February 8, which is the same day that the SpaceX Crew-11 mission is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station.
- The wet dress rehearsal was originally scheduled to start on Thursday, January 30.
- The 49-hour simulated launch countdown was supposed to begin on Friday, January 31.
- Crews were originally scheduled to start the tanking operation on Saturday night, January 31.
- The earliest possible launch date has now been pushed to no earlier than February 8.
The players
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
Space Launch System
NASA's new heavy-lift rocket designed to enable deep space exploration missions, including the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.
Orion
NASA's new spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond as part of the Artemis program.
What they’re saying
“Over the past several days, engineers have been closely monitoring conditions as cold weather and winds move through Florida. Managers have assessed hardware capabilities against the projected forecast given the rare arctic outbreak affecting the state and decided to change the timeline.”
— NASA
What’s next
The wet dress rehearsal must go smoothly at every point for the Artemis 2 mission to stay on track. NASA will continue to monitor the weather and make any necessary adjustments to the timeline.
The takeaway
The delay in the Artemis 2 pre-launch test highlights the challenges of space exploration, where even minor weather events can impact critical milestones. Despite the setback, NASA remains committed to the Artemis program and is working to ensure the Artemis 2 mission can launch as soon as possible, while also coordinating with other upcoming space missions.
