NASA to roll out Artemis II rocket and capsule to launch pad Jan. 17, 2026, ahead of crewed lunar flyby.

NASA is set to roll out the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B on January 17, 2026, marking a key step toward the Artemis II mission, which will launch four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby. The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—will test critical systems for future lunar landings. Engineers are addressing technical issues including leaks and valve faults. A wet dress rehearsal will simulate fueling and countdown procedures, with launch targeted for February 6 to April 10, pending resolution of technical concerns and successful test outcomes.