KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA — For the first time in over 54 years, four human beings are preparing to leave Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and venture toward the lunar surface. Today, Friday, January 30, 2026, NASA’s mission control is in “high gear” as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule sit on Launch Pad 39B, awaiting their final qualifying test before a scheduled launch next week.
1. The Final Hurdle: The “Wet Dress Rehearsal” (WDR)
Starting tomorrow, Saturday, February 1, NASA will begin the mission’s ultimate stress test.
- The Operation: Engineers will pump nearly 700,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS rocket.
- The Timeline: The simulated T-0 is set for 9:00 PM EST on Saturday. Operators will be called to their stations 49 hours in advance.
- The Goal: To run the clock down to T-minus 33 seconds, testing every valve, seal, and software line under the thermal stress of cryogenic fuels.
2. Meet the Artemis II Crew
The four astronauts officially entered a 14-day health stabilization period (quarantine) on January 23 to ensure they remain in peak physical condition.
| Role | Astronaut | Milestone |
| Commander | Reid Wiseman (NASA) | Experienced naval aviator and ISS commander. |
| Pilot | Victor Glover (NASA) | The first person of color to leave Low Earth Orbit. |
| Mission Specialist | Christina Koch (NASA) | The first woman to venture to the lunar vicinity. |
| Mission Specialist | Jeremy Hansen (CSA) | The first Canadian to travel beyond Earth’s orbit. |
3. Mission Profile: Breaking Records
The 10-day mission is a circumlunar flyby—meaning the crew will not orbit or land, but will use a “free-return trajectory” to swing around the Moon and return to Earth.
- Breaking Apollo 13’s Record: For 56 years, the crew of Apollo 13 held the record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth (158 miles beyond the Moon). Artemis II will smash this, traveling approximately 4,700 miles beyond the lunar far side.
- Total Distance: The spacecraft will reach a maximum distance of over 230,000 miles from Earth.
- Systems Check: During the first two days in Earth orbit, the crew will manually pilot Orion to test handling and verify that the Life Support Systems can effectively remove CO2 and generate breathable air.
4. Launch Windows & Potential Delays
While NASA is targeting Friday, February 6, 2026, the agency remains flexible:
- The “Fly When Ready” Rule: If the WDR tomorrow reveals any fuel leaks or sensor glitches, the launch could be pushed to late February, March, or April.
- Current Hurdles: Teams have recently addressed minor issues with the emergency egress “escape baskets” and are monitoring water quality levels in Orion’s potable water system.