NASA Launches Massive Artemis II Rocket to Moon Mission Launchpad

NASA rolled ‍its 322-foot (98-meter) Space Launch System rocket to the launchpad at ‌Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. The move signals final preparations for the U.S. space agency’s first crewed ⁢mission to​ the moon in more than 50 years, Artemis II.

The SLS⁤ rocket, topped with the Orion capsule to carry astronauts, began its ‍4-mile journey‍ from NASA’s Vehicle Assembly‍ Building at 7:00 a.m. ET. The massive building is where the rocket’s components were assembled,heading to historic Launch Pad 39B. NASA broadcast the event, known as a “rollout,” live on its YouTube channel.

The rollout initiates a series of‌ tests and rehearsals.success ⁢will bring NASA closer to⁣ final preparations ‍for its ‌first crewed lunar ⁤flight ‌in over five ⁤decades. Artemis II could ​launch between Feb. 6 and Feb. 11, 2026, with launch‌ windows also available in March ⁣and April.

This rollout allows mission managers ⁢to assess the booster’s condition and safety before ⁢NASA leaders set‍ an official launch date.