NASA Artemis 1: Wet Dress Rehearsal & Launch Window Update (Feb 2026)

Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Underway, Launch Window Narrows

NASA is currently conducting the Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) for the Artemis II mission, a critical step toward returning humans to the Moon. Despite previous delays due to cold weather, the countdown officially began Monday evening at 8:13 PM EST (02:13 AM Tuesday in Italy), according to NASA updates.

The core of the testing is scheduled for Monday, February 2nd, starting at 9:00 PM EST (03:00 AM Tuesday, February 3rd in Italy), when over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant will begin loading into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Teams are presently charging the sound suppression system with water and preparing the electrical systems for both the Orion capsule and the rocket’s core stage.

Revised Launch Timeline

Following the cancellation of launch opportunities on February 6th and 7th, NASA is now focused on a tighter launch window this month. The earliest possible launch date is currently set for Sunday, February 8, 2026. If a launch doesn’t occur on that date, the remaining opportunities fall on February 10th and February 11th before the window closes, potentially pushing the launch to March or April.

Crew Status: Awaiting in Houston

The Artemis II astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen – are currently in isolation at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Their transfer to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida has been postponed due to the delay in the WDR testing. NASA is evaluating the optimal timing for their arrival, which will depend on the outcome of tomorrow’s propellant loading test.

For Jeremy Hansen, this mission holds particular significance, as it will make him the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

Protecting Against the Cold

At Launch Complex 39B, engineers are closely monitoring temperatures. The Orion capsule is actively being heated to counteract the unusually cold Arctic air that has impacted Florida. This continuous monitoring is essential to prevent thermal shock to sensitive components, such as onboard computers and engine valves, before the test proceeds.

The Wet Dress Rehearsal is a crucial milestone, simulating the entire launch process up to the point of engine ignition. It allows the NASA team to validate procedures, identify potential issues, and ensure the readiness of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, which aims to send a crew of four astronauts on a lunar flyby.