Artemis II rocket moves into launch position ahead of possible Feb. 6 liftoff

NASA’s 98-metre Space Launch System was moved into position at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 17 as technicians prepare tests ahead of a possible Feb. 6 Artemis II launch; the mission will carry four astronauts on a roughly 10-day trip around the moon.

NASA's Artemis II mission is preparing for launch as the agency moves its 98-metre Space Launch System into position at Kennedy Space Center. The rocket was slowly moved into launch position on Jan. 17. Technicians and engineers will run tests to verify readiness before a possible launch window beginning Feb. 6. The mission will send four astronauts on a roughly 10-day trip around the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft. Key details: - The Space Launch System is 98 metres tall and was moved into launch position at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Jan. 17. - Technicians and engineers will test the rocket ahead of a possible launch window beginning Feb. 6. - Artemis II will carry four astronauts on about a 10-day mission around the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft. - The mission will send the astronauts deeper into space than any prior mission on the Orion spacecraft and will observe the moon's far side, but it will not land. - The article notes a Canadian contribution to the mission. Summary: Artemis II is positioned as a crewed lunar flyby intended to test systems and operations relevant to future lunar surface activities and eventual Mars planning. Engineers' system tests and final checks are the immediate preparations ahead of the possible Feb. 6 launch window. The mission's experience is described as part of ongoing preparation for subsequent stages of NASA's lunar program.