NASA is set to roll out its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft for the highly anticipated Artemis 2 mission. Scheduled for January 17, 2024, this mission marks a significant step toward returning humans to the Moon. The rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center will begin at 7 a.m. ET and is expected to take between 8 and 10 hours over a distance of four miles.
During a briefing on January 12, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, expressed excitement about the mission. “About an hour after we get that first motion, you’ll begin to see this beautiful vehicle cross over the threshold of the VAB and come outside for the world to have a look,” she stated. Live coverage of the rollout will be available on NASA’s YouTube channel, starting at 7 a.m. ET, followed by a media event at 9 a.m. ET featuring NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the Artemis 2 astronaut crew.
Journey to the Launch Pad
As the SLS moves from the VAB, engineers will first retract the mobile launcher’s crew access arm, a process expected to take about 45 minutes. The rocket will then proceed toward Launch Pad 39B at a speed of just under 1 mile per hour (1.6 km/h). After securing the rocket on the pad, teams will connect it to ground support equipment and conduct system checks. This includes powering up all integrated systems for the first time, ensuring that flight hardware and infrastructure are fully operational.
The Artemis 2 crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. They will perform a final inspection of the emergency egress system at the launch pad. If all goes smoothly, NASA aims to conduct a wet dress rehearsal on February 2, 2024. This crucial test will involve powering up both the SLS and Orion and loading the rocket with propellant, simulating a launch countdown without igniting the boosters.
Launch Timeline and Challenges Ahead
NASA is currently targeting a launch date of February 6, 2024. However, given the tight schedule between the wet dress rehearsal and the launch, this date may be optimistic. Blackwell-Thompson noted, “We need to get through wet dress. We need to see what lessons we learn as a result of that, and that will ultimately lay out our path toward launch.” If Artemis 2 does not launch on February 6, alternative dates include February 7, 8, 10, and 11, followed by additional windows in March and April.
The Artemis 2 mission is significant as it serves as the first crewed mission in NASA’s lunar exploration program. It will pave the way for Artemis 3, which aims to land humans on the Moon. The United States is competing with China in this ambitious endeavor, which has already faced delays. With a goal of launching by 2026, the Artemis 2 mission is more than just a test flight; it represents humanity’s readiness to explore deep space. The astronauts will journey farther than any humans have before, mapping uncharted lunar territories and preparing for future explorations.
As anticipation builds, NASA officials emphasize that crew safety remains the top priority. While there is pressure to launch expediently, the agency is committed to ensuring thorough preparations for this historic mission.
