NASA Prepares for First Crewed Lunar Flyby in Over 50 Years

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NASA has started a two-day practice countdown leading up to the fueling of its new Space Launch System rocket, a crucial test that will determine when four astronauts, including Commander Reid Wiseman, will blast off on a lunar flyby mission. The 322-foot rocket moved to the launch pad two weeks ago, and if Monday's fueling test is successful, NASA could attempt the launch within a week. This will be the first time humans have traveled to the Moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972.

Why it matters

This mission marks a significant milestone for NASA, as it will be the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years. The successful completion of this test countdown and launch will pave the way for future Artemis program missions that aim to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the Moon.

The details

The four astronauts, including Commander Reid Wiseman, will be the first people to launch to the Moon since 1972. They will monitor the dress rehearsal from their Houston base before flying to Kennedy Space Center once the rocket is cleared for flight. During the mission, the Orion capsule will hurtle around the Moon and then return directly to Earth, with the entire flight lasting nearly 10 days.

• NASA began a two-day practice countdown on Saturday, February 4, 2026.
• The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket was moved to the launch pad two weeks ago.
• If the fueling test on Monday, February 6, 2026, is successful, NASA could attempt the launch within a week.
• The earliest the rocket could blast off is now February 8, 2026, due to a delay caused by a bitter cold spell.

What’s next

If the fueling test on Monday is successful, NASA could attempt to launch the Orion capsule and Space Launch System rocket within a week, with the earliest possible launch date now set for February 8, 2026.