NASA Targets March for First Artemis Moon Mission After Successful Fueling Test

The agency aims to send astronauts to the lunar surface following the latest successful rocket fueling trial.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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NASA is targeting March for the first Artemis mission to the Moon, after successfully completing the latest full-scale rocket fueling test at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The test was a crucial milestone in preparing the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for the uncrewed Artemis I flight around the Moon.

Why it matters

The Artemis program is NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo era. A successful Artemis I mission will pave the way for future crewed Artemis flights, including the goal of landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.

The details

During the recent fueling test, engineers filled the massive SLS rocket's core stage and upper stage with cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants, just as they would for an actual launch. The test verified that the rocket's systems can withstand the stresses of fueling and that the team can load the rocket within the targeted time frame.

  • The Artemis I mission is currently targeted for launch in March 2026.
  • The recent successful fueling test was conducted at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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.

Artemis Program

NASA's program to return humans to the Moon, with the goal of establishing a sustainable lunar presence and using what is learned to prepare for human exploration of Mars.

Space Launch System (SLS)

NASA's new heavy-lift launch vehicle that will provide the power to send Orion, astronauts, and cargo to the Moon as part of the Artemis program.

Orion Spacecraft

The spacecraft that will carry astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis program and serve as their habitat during lunar operations.

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What they’re saying

“The successful completion of the cryogenic demonstration test is a major milestone for the Artemis I mission and the Artemis program.”

— Jim Free, Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA (NASA)

What’s next

NASA will now focus on final preparations for the Artemis I uncrewed test flight around the Moon, which is currently targeted for launch in March 2026.

The takeaway

The successful fueling test brings NASA one step closer to the long-awaited return of human exploration of the lunar surface, a key milestone in the agency's ambitious Artemis program to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.