NASA Gears Up for 2nd Artemis Moon Mission Dress Rehearsal

Ground teams aim to resolve fuel leak issues that delayed previous test ahead of planned March launch

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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NASA has begun its second 'wet dress rehearsal' for the Artemis II mission, a critical pre-launch test that will put the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft through nearly all of their pre-flight operations. The test comes after the first dress rehearsal was halted by a persistent fuel leak, which NASA says it has worked to resolve by redesigning the leaky connection point and replacing a filter suspected of reducing fuel flow. If successful, NASA could attempt to launch Artemis II as early as March 6, sending the first crew around the moon in over 50 years.

Why it matters

The Artemis program represents NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface, and the Artemis II mission will be a crucial milestone - the first crewed flight of the new Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Resolving the technical issues that have plagued the program's early uncrewed test flights is critical to maintaining momentum and public support for the costly moon exploration effort.

The details

During the upcoming 50-hour dress rehearsal, launch controllers will put the Space Launch System rocket through nearly all of its pre-launch procedures, including fueling the vehicle with its cryogenic propellants. They must demonstrate the ability to stop and restart the countdown at the T-minus 10-minute mark, and complete the test within a simulated launch window. The results will determine if NASA deems the rocket and spacecraft ready for the Artemis II mission's planned liftoff in early March.

  • The dress rehearsal countdown began around 6:40 p.m. ET on February 17.
  • The critical 'wet' portion of the test is scheduled for February 19, within the last 12 hours of the countdown.
  • The simulated launch window opens at 8:30 p.m. on February 19 and closes at 12:30 a.m. on February 20.

The players

Jared Isaacman

NASA administrator who has promised transparency about the challenges facing the Artemis program and praised the work of NASA's employees and contractors.

Space Launch System

The powerful rocket that will launch the Artemis missions, including the Artemis II crewed flight around the moon.

Orion spacecraft

The crew capsule designed to carry astronauts to the moon and back as part of the Artemis program.

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What they’re saying

“Considering the issues observed during the lead-up to Artemis I, and the long duration between missions, we should not be surprised there are challenges entering the Artemis II campaign. That does not excuse the situation, but we understand it.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator (X)

“There is still a great deal of work ahead to prepare for this historic mission. We will not launch unless we are ready and the safety of our astronauts will remain the highest priority.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator (X)

What’s next

If the second dress rehearsal is successful, NASA could attempt to launch the Artemis II mission as early as the night of March 6.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission represents a critical milestone in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface, but the program has faced technical challenges that have caused delays. Resolving these issues and ensuring the safety of the astronauts will be paramount as NASA works to maintain momentum and public support for this costly moon exploration effort.