Countdown to Artemis II Rehearsal Begins Amid Cold Delays

The countdown has begun for the final dress rehearsal of the Artemis II mission launch. The launch team plans to start the mock start at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on Monday, February 2, or 5:00 AM Moscow time on February 3. The testing window will last until 1:00 AM Eastern Time or 9:00 AM Moscow time on February 3. If the dress rehearsal goes according to plan, the agency will be able to schedule the launch for February 8.

Recall that NASA postponed the launch of the Artemis II mission due to abnormal cold weather at the spaceport. NASA delayed the launch of the Artemis II lunar rocket with a crew at least until February 8, 2026, due to adverse weather conditions in Florida. Extreme cold forced the cancellation of a critical refueling test.

In February, the mission has only three opportunities to launch: February 8, 10, and 11. If the rocket does not take off by February 11, the mission will be postponed to early March. Artemis II is the first manned expedition to the Moon in more than 50 years, aimed at testing the Orion spacecraft systems. During a 10-day flight, the crew will fly around the Moon and return to Earth.