NASA Prepares for Next Artemis II Fueling Test

Technicians replace seals and analyze issues from previous wet dress rehearsal ahead of upcoming test.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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NASA technicians have replaced two seals in an area where they saw higher than allowable hydrogen gas concentrations during the previous Artemis II wet dress rehearsal on February 3. Engineers are analyzing the removed seals and developing plans to address all issues before the next rehearsal. NASA is also updating several operations, including closing the Orion crew module hatch and adding extra time in the countdown, to focus on fueling activities.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plan to return humans to the Moon. Ensuring the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft are functioning properly during fueling tests is essential for a successful and safe crewed mission.

The details

Technicians replaced the seals around two fueling lines on the tail service mast umbilical, which provides cryogenic propellant and electrical connections to the SLS core stage. NASA is also planning to conduct testing at Stennis Space Center to evaluate the dynamics of the interface plates. For the next wet dress rehearsal, NASA will close the Orion crew module hatch and not deploy the closeout crew to the launch pad. The agency has also added 30 minutes of extra time during two planned holds in the countdown to allow more time for troubleshooting.

  • The previous wet dress rehearsal was conducted on February 3, 2026.
  • Technicians began work to access the tail service mast umbilical and replace the seals immediately after the previous test.
  • Reconnecting the interfaces is expected to be complete on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • NASA is planning to conduct testing at Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to evaluate the repair work.
  • The next wet dress rehearsal is scheduled to occur after the repair work and testing are completed.

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 (SLS)

NASA's heavy-lift launch vehicle that is designed to be the most powerful rocket in the world and is a critical component of the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.

Orion

NASA's next-generation spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond, and a key part of the Artemis program.

Reid Wiseman

One of the NASA astronauts selected for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft.

Victor Glover

One of the NASA astronauts selected for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft.

Christina Koch

One of the NASA astronauts selected for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft.

Jeremy Hansen

A Canadian Space Agency astronaut selected for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft.

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What’s next

NASA plans to conduct additional testing at Stennis Space Center to evaluate the repair work on the tail service mast umbilical before the next wet dress rehearsal. The agency will also update several operations, including closing the Orion crew module hatch and adding extra time in the countdown, to focus on fueling activities during the next rehearsal.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plan to return humans to the Moon, and the agency is taking a methodical approach to ensure the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are functioning properly during the fueling tests. The repairs and updates made ahead of the next wet dress rehearsal demonstrate NASA's commitment to safety and reliability as they prepare for the first crewed Artemis mission.