Topic: [Discuss] NASA's Artemis II mission (Orion)
oly Member
Posts: 1537 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 02-22-2026 02:48 AM
quote:Originally posted by Blackarrow: ...I also suspect an astronaut would prefer to fly an Artemis mission after, say, four cryogenic recycles than 22 recycles.
If the crew are happy to strap into a disposable rocket with 2 big solid rocket motors trying to rip the sides off the main fuel tanks at launch and as they accelerate through MaxQ, worrying if the structural fatigue count between fuel cycle 3 and fuel cycle 4 of a 22-cycle safe fatigue limit is probably low on the “what could possibly go wrong” list.
If we see a dozen more fuel-defuel cycles, that worry probably makes its way up the priority list.
Headshot Member
Posts: 1471 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 02-22-2026 01:12 PM
After NASA rolls the SLS back to the VAB and fixes the issue with the interim upper stage, will NASA need to conduct another WDR after SLS is sent back to 39B? Can they just do a tank fill test instead of an entire WDR?
I am concerned about the interface that leaked liquid hydrogen, but is now seemingly fixed, might be disturbed by all that trundling back and forth between the VAB and 39B.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-22-2026 01:18 PM
That is a question only NASA managers can answer and will likely address at a press briefing later this week, after the SLS is back inside the VAB.
Having completed all of the necessary checkouts during the second wet dress rehearsal, it might be that the team decides to proceed with a launch attempt and scrub if necessary. The primary difference between a WDR and launch attempt is the presence of the crew.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3953 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 02-22-2026 01:21 PM
quote:Originally posted by oly: If the crew are happy to strap into a disposable rocket with 2 big solid rocket motors trying to rip the sides off the main fuel tanks at launch...
That's a fair point about the SRBs (and I recall many shuttle astronauts saying they sighed with relief after booster separation) but all the little additional risks add up: remember the story of "the straw that broke the camel's back."
Referring to Ben's point about Apollo 16: yes, I had forgotten that Apollo 16 was rolled out to the pad in December, 1971 for a mid-March 1972 launch but was rolled back to the VAB in January for repairs, resulting in an April launch. But that wasn't caused by a problem with the launch vehicle itself, or fuelling leaks.
Grounded! Member
Posts: 587 From: Bennington, Vermont, USA Registered: Feb 2011
posted 02-22-2026 04:26 PM
NASA did not solve the problem of hydrogen leaks during the Apollo or space shuttle program. They did, as they do now, work to halt the leak and then decided whether to press forward or scrub.
I was a fireman for Brevard County in the mid to late 70's, stationed on the coast. The PAFB fire dept came down for an educational visit (more community relations I suppose). At the time, they were on the mutual aid support list for KSC.
They brought up this issue of hydrogen leaks and fires, how the fire detection systems alerted to the presence of fire but not the location.
One way to zero in on the area was to use a corn stick broom and hold it out. When the end caught fire, the problem was located.
A low tech solution to the problem.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-23-2026 08:21 PM
Due to weather, NASA now is targeting early Wednesday (Feb. 25), to roll the SLS off the launch pad and back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-24-2026 08:35 AM
The Artemis II astronauts will attend the State of the Union address tonight (Feb. 24) as guests of Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA), who invited them to highlight the role his state plays in building the Space Launch System rocket at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
After years of meticulous planning and preparation, NASA is poised to launch its first crewed mission to venture around the moon in more than half a century. The Artemis II Crew – Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen – will embark on this historic journey carrying forward the hopes and dreams of all humanity. It is my privilege to welcome these brave and courageous astronauts as my guests at the State of the Union Address.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-24-2026 04:29 PM
NASA is targeting around 9 a.m. EST on Wednesday (Feb. 25) to begin rolling SLS off the launch pad and back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
The 4.2-mile trek is expected to take up to 12 hours.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-25-2026 09:27 AM
First motion of the SLS off of Pad 39B was at 9:38 a.m. EST (1438 GMT) on Wednesday (Feb. 25). The vehicle arrived back in the VAB at about 8 p.m. EST.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-09-2026 11:11 AM
NASA will host a news conference at 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday (March 12) about the progress toward the Artemis II launch. The media briefing will take place from Kennedy Space Center after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-11-2026 09:51 AM
Endless Void release
Endless Void Studios Unveils Launch Party Ahead of NASA's Artemis II
A cinematic livestream redefining how the world experiences space
Endless Void Studios today announced the debut of Launch Party, a cinematic livestream built to restore rocket launches to their rightful place as pop culture events, bringing Apollo-era swagger into the modern space age. Produced in partnership with founding sponsors Lockheed Martin, Firefly Aerospace, Playalinda Brewing Company, Core Surf, and Courtyard by Marriott Titusville, Launch Party will broadcast live from The Space Bar — a rooftop venue with direct views of the launch pad — during NASA's Artemis II mission. Targeted for liftoff as early as April 2026, it marks humanity's first crewed voyage to the Moon in more than half a century.
Hosted and executive produced by Kristin Fisher — an Emmy Award-winning space journalist, former Space Correspondent for CNN and White House Correspondent for Fox News, and the daughter of two NASA astronauts — alongside executive producer and director of photography Alex Rosen, Launch Party is live launch coverage reimagined: no anchor desk, no scripts, no acronym soup. Fisher hosts from inside the crowd, moving through the energy of the countdown and bringing viewers along with her as the moment unfolds live. Endless Void Studios aims to establish Launch Party as the premier destination for live space events, transforming rocket launches into shared global experiences.
"Space needs to be experienced. We're building Launch Party because the current format for covering launches is stale. This is the most incredible thing humanity does, and it deserves to be celebrated like a pop culture event," said Kristin Fisher, Host & Executive Producer.
Featured Guests
Launch Party features a dynamic lineup spanning astronauts, artists, futurists, and scientists. Among them is Fisher's mother, Dr. Anna Lee Fisher — a former NASA astronaut, member of the first class of women selected for the astronaut corps, and the first mother to fly in space. Dr. Fisher serves as Launch Party's "Mission Control," delivering real-time countdown updates and sharing her personal reflections on the risks and rewards of human spaceflight.
Where to Watch
Launch Party will stream live on The Endless Void (YouTube), X, and Twitch.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-12-2026 08:23 AM
NASA video
Following the conclusion of the Artemis II Flight Readiness Review, agency leaders share the latest updates on the mission around the Moon in a live news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Participants include:
Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate
John Honeycutt, chair, Artemis II Mission Management Team
Shawn Quinn, manager, Exploration Ground Systems Program
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-12-2026 02:09 PM
NASA is targeting March 19 to roll back out to Pad 39B, setting up for a launch no earlier than April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 GMT), pending pre-flight preparations proceeding as planned.
Mission managers have also added an additional launch opportunity on April 2 at 7:22 p.m. EDT (2322 GMT). The window extends through April 6.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3953 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 03-12-2026 05:28 PM
Is it too simplistic to suggest that this is to provide two opportunities for a daylight launch? Sunset in Titusville on 1st and 2nd April will be approx. 1941 hrs EDT, but how long are the launch windows?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-12-2026 05:43 PM
The additional day is to provide more opportunities for NASA to launch; whether in daylight or not is not a factor (just a nice bonus). NASA could still bypass one or the other date for numerous reasons.
On April 1, the 120-minute window opens 1.28 hours before sunset; on April 2, the window (of the same length) opens 0.32 hours before sunset.
Axman Member
Posts: 915 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-13-2026 05:17 AM
Can somebody tell me why does there need to be a window?
Isn't it a straightforward high orbit free return loop around the moon: sunlight or lack thereof doesn't alter the orbital dynamics, and trans-lunar injection can be initiated once every 90 minutes if there is an initial Low Earth parking orbit, or, alternatively if it is a direct TLI from launch (which I believe this to be), once each day? So I am intrigued as for the need to have launch windows weeks apart!
[EDIT: OK, a direct question then. What prevents Artemis 2 from being launched on 16th April 2026?]
[EDIT 2: I'm distinguishing between launch windows for direct trans-lunar injection free return loops, and "launch Windows" that are date dependent.]
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 607 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 03-13-2026 07:51 AM
Will another wet dress rehearsal be needed once the launch vehicle is returned to Pad 39B?
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1568 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 03-13-2026 08:29 AM
As indicated during FRR press conference yesterday; another wet dress is not scheduled.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-13-2026 09:24 AM
quote:Originally posted by Axman: What prevents Artemis 2 from being launched on 16th April 2026?
The window reflects the dates that NASA can meet mission requirements, including coordinating the handover between TDRS and Deep Space Network connections and flying over the far side of the moon during desired lighting. There are also lighting requirements for Orion's return to Earth, which are dictated by when they begin their free return trajectory around the moon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-17-2026 10:08 AM
NASA is now targeting no earlier than Friday (March 20) for the rollout, while still maintaining April 1 as the first launch attempt.
Update — NASA is again considering rolling out on Thursday (March 19) due to a quicker than expected completion of the VAB close-out activities. A final decision will be made on Wednesday.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-18-2026 12:56 PM
Now confirmed: Rollout is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday (March 19).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-20-2026 12:47 PM
The 11-hour rollout began on Friday (March 20) at 12:20 a.m. and arrived at Pad 39B at 11:21 a.m. EDT (0420 to 0321 GMT). It was delayed starting due to high winds.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 607 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 03-25-2026 10:19 AM
Will there be any live coverage (via NASA+) of Artemis II crew arriving at KSC for final launch preparation?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-25-2026 06:27 PM
NASA has released its pre-launch mission coverage schedule. Briefings, events, and 24/7 mission coverage will stream on the agency's YouTube channel.
Friday, March 27
2:30 p.m. EDT: Agency leadership, including NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) President Lisa Campbell, and other leaders, will greet the astronauts as they arrive at NASA Kennedy. The Artemis II crew members will answer questions from media in attendance.
Sunday, March 29
9:30 a.m. EDT: The Artemis II crew members will virtually answer reporters' questions from their quarantine facility.
2 p.m. EDT: NASA will hold a news conference to provide a status update for launch.
Monday, March 30
5 p.m. EDT: Following a mission management meeting, NASA will host a news conference to provide an update on launch preparations.
Tuesday, March 31
1 p.m. EDT: NASA will hold a prelaunch news conference.
Wednesday, April 1
7:45 a.m. EDT: Coverage of tanking operations to load propellant into NASA's (SLS) Space Launch System rocket begins, including views of the rocket and audio from a commentator.
12:50 p.m. EDT: NASA+ coverage of launch begins. Coverage will continue on YouTube after Orion's solar array wings deploy in space.
Approximately two-and-a-half hours after launch, NASA will hold a postlaunch news conference after the SLS rocket's upper stage performs a burn to send Orion and its crew to high Earth orbit.
Headshot Member
Posts: 1471 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 03-25-2026 07:24 PM
I know its a week away, but what is the preliminary weather forecast for the 1-6 launch window? Also, what are the wind constraints for SLS?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-25-2026 08:12 PM
The 45th Weather Squadron does not issue launch weather forecasts until L-2.
Weather.com's 10-day forecast has this for April 1:
Mostly cloudy skies early [evening], then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 69F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph [9 to 13 knots].
SLS wind constraints:
Do not launch if the peak liftoff winds exceed a range of 29 knots through 39 knots between 132.5 feet and 457.5 feet, respectively.
Do not launch through upper-level wind conditions that could lead to control problems for the launch vehicle.
Headshot Member
Posts: 1471 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 03-25-2026 10:54 PM
Thanks.
I thought I saw something about wind gusts around 25-30 mph, for several days after the first, but it isn't there anymore.
I also remember a comment made during the Ignition event yesterday about how they were "watching the weather closely."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-27-2026 11:33 AM
NASA video
Watch as NASA's Artemis II crew arrives at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they'll speak about their upcoming mission around the Moon.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1568 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 03-27-2026 02:18 PM
Great views of Artemis II crew (and their backups: Andre Douglas-NASA; Jenni Gibbons-CSA) arrival at KSC in T-38s! Loved Jeremy's quip about his size and keeping a 'low profile.' And Christina's and Victor's comments about their inspirations and mentors.
Am I correct in assuming this is the first time astronauts fly in to KSC in T-38s before launch in some time, as ISS crews have flown together in a single, larger jet transport?
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 607 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 03-28-2026 12:16 PM
Will there be an VIPs attending to this historic launch on Wednesday; i.e. the Florida Governor, President of the United States and/or the Vice President?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-28-2026 02:13 PM
For security reasons, NASA generally does not release its VIP list (if at all) until the day of the launch. At this point, the White House has not released anything about the President or Vice President planning to attend.
Jim Behling Member
Posts: 2043 From: Cape Canaveral, FL Registered: Mar 2010
posted 03-28-2026 03:27 PM
quote:Originally posted by Axman: Can somebody tell me why does there need to be a window?
Launch windows are the intervals during a day when a launch is possible. Launch period is the group of days that have a viable launch windows.
Launch periods are driven by lunar lighting. Launch window is TLI location.
Axman Member
Posts: 915 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-29-2026 07:04 AM
Yes, and I've already stated I understand about trans-lunar injection windows from direct Earth launch, they occur roughly every 90 minutes. I take on board your definition, and therefore ask about why a launch period?
Robert has answered previously in some vague terms about mission objectives set by NASA. (He also stated something more specific, which I no longer recall, about communication link ups).
But I still fail to understand what could possibly be different about a high orbit free return loop around the moon on any day? Why the specified period? Why can't you launch today or the 16th April?
I'm also slightly irritated by the news media coverage that emphasises in glowing terms that the Artemis II mission will be the furthest from Earth that mankind has flown - as if this was a deliberate decision that requires effort!
The reason why Apollo 8 is the record distance from Earth that we have so far flown is because Apollo 8 wasn't going to land on the moon. The higher the orbit (within reason) looping around the moon, the less precision needed. Apollo 8 needed a more precise TLI than Artemis II, and Apollo 11 needed an extremely precise TLI.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-29-2026 07:35 AM
The distance record is currently held by Apollo 13, not Apollo 8, and Artemis II is only going to break Apollo 13's record if it launches on certain days. Otherwise, its trajectory will be shallower and will not travel as far.
As to launch periods, the Artemis II mission has among its objectives to perform proximity operations with the ICPS upper stage before departing for the moon and then at the moon observing specific areas on the far side. Both require ample lighting at the time and, in the case of the earlier, communications with the ground. That requires they launch on only certain days when the the rotation of Earth, the location of relay satellites and the lighting on the far side of the moon are optimal.
Artemis II could launch on other days, but it could then place them in darkness when they go to rendezvous and simulate docking with the ICPS, or worse, fly by the moon in total darkness with nothing to see.
Axman Member
Posts: 915 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-29-2026 07:51 AM
Thank you for the more detailed explanation as to why there is a 'launch period' that includes lighting conditions.
I also apologise for forgetting that Apollo 13 actually flew further from Earth than Apollo 8. (On a technical note, the height above the moon doesn't necessarily equate to a further distance from Earth, that's because the moon's distance from Earth varies over time.)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-29-2026 09:25 AM
The 45th Weather Squadron forecast for L-3 predicts an 80 percent chance of acceptable weather conditions at launch time.
The front that passed through the local area late yesterday is now located across South Florida, where it will stall and gradually wash out over the next several days. Remnant low-level moisture associated with this boundary will continue to seep into the area as onshore flow remains robust, yielding the threat for intermittent showers. This activity is likely to be further enhanced with the daily afternoon passage of the sea breeze, where an isolated thunderstorm may also form. The bulk of organized shower activity should then retreat to the west side of the Florida peninsula each evening, with lingering showers also across the Atlantic. Thus, the primary weather concerns for launch opportunities this week are the extent and organization of these showers and their associated clouds.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-29-2026 10:18 AM
NASA video
Join us as the Artemis II crew answers questions from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where they're in protective quarantine ahead of their upcoming flight around the Moon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56368 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-29-2026 10:20 AM
NASA video
Join us as NASA experts provide a status update on Artemis II launch preparations three days before liftoff.
Headshot Member
Posts: 1471 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 03-29-2026 10:59 AM
quote:Originally posted by Axman: ...that's because the moon's distance from Earth varies over time.
The Moon is currently moving toward apogee and will reach that on April 7 at 9 hours UT. At that point in time the center of the Moon will be 404,970 km from the center of the Earth.
So if Artemis II launches on the first or second, there is an excellent chance they will indeed establish a record even if Artemis passes only a couple thousand kilometers above the lunar surface. As info, the maximum apogee the Moon can ever achieve can be no more than 405,696 km, so NASA chose this launch period ... wisely.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 5563 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-30-2026 11:00 AM
Space weather may get a vote on the launch window. Sol just expelled an X class solar flare with associated CME projected for impact in next 24-36 hours.
posted 02-22-2026 02:48 AM
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