NASA targets March launch for Artemis II after successful test

NASA plans the first crewed moon flight in 52 years with Artemis II after a successful wet dress rehearsal; officials are targeting March 6 as the earliest launch attempt.

NASA will attempt the first crewed flight to the moon in 52 years next month after a successful test of launch procedures. Artemis II is planned as a 10-day mission sending four astronauts, including Canada's Colonel Jeremy Hansen, on a looping trajectory around the moon's far side to evaluate the Orion crew capsule. The Orion capsule is currently atop a 108-metre tall Space Launch System rocket at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Engineers replaced seals after a hydrogen leak during an earlier wet dress rehearsal, and a second wet dress rehearsal showed no significant hydrogen leakage. Key facts: - NASA is targeting March 6 as the earliest launch attempt within a five-day launch window when the moon is in a favourable position. - The Artemis II crew named in briefings includes commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialist Christina Koch, pilot Victor Glover and Col. Jeremy Hansen. - Crew members began a 14-day quarantine ahead of the targeted March date to maintain launch readiness. - A flight readiness review is scheduled for the end of next week and will review system readiness in detail. - Two technical issues during the rehearsal — a ground communication system problem and a voltage anomaly on one SLS booster — did not prevent completion of the rehearsal or alter the launch timeline. Summary: Thursday's successful wet dress rehearsal eased earlier concerns about hydrogen leaks and allowed officials to green light preparations toward a March liftoff. Mission managers still plan a detailed flight readiness review and the installation of ground platforms and maintenance equipment before final launch approval.