NASA Rolls Out SLS Rocket and Orion Spacecraft for Artemis II Mission Preparations
Summary
NASA has transported the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis II lunar mission, scheduled between April 1 and April 6. Four astronauts will orbit the Moon on this approximately 10-day mission.
Key Points
- NASA moved its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft about 6.4 kilometers to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center for Aurora II preparations.
- The rollout took about 11 hours, beginning at 12:20 AM local time on Friday.
- Previous testing revealed an issue with helium flow into the rocket's upper stage, requiring repairs and system updates.
- The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day journey orbiting the Moon.
