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Artemis II reaches the launch pad and prelaunch countdown work begins.
Summary
The fully stacked SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft rolled four miles to the launch pad; teams will prepare for a wet dress rehearsal targeted no later than Feb. 2.
Content
NASA's Artemis II vehicle arrived at its launch pad after a slow, four-mile rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The crawler-transporter 2 carried the fully stacked SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft at about 0.82 mph. The rollout paused briefly so teams could adjust the crew access arm used for boarding on launch day. Engineers will focus in the coming days on preparations for a wet dress rehearsal that simulates key launch-day activities.
Known facts:
- The rollout covered about four miles and used crawler-transporter 2 with a top speed of 0.82 mph.
- Teams paused after exiting the VAB high-bay doors to adjust the crew access arm.
- A wet dress rehearsal is targeted no later than Feb. 2 and will include loading cryogenic propellants, running a full countdown, and draining the propellants.
- NASA may conduct more than one wet dress rehearsal and could roll SLS and Orion back to the Vehicle Assembly Building if additional work is needed.
- Artemis II will carry four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a mission of about 10 days around the Moon.
Summary:
Reaching the pad moves Artemis II closer to its planned test of crewed lunar flight. The immediate next step is the wet dress rehearsal, targeted no later than Feb. 2. Further rehearsals or inspections could follow if teams identify issues.
