Overview
- The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are fully stacked in the Vehicle Assembly Building, with rollout to Launch Complex 39B expected in mid-January for final pad work and a wet dress rehearsal.
- The earliest launch opportunity opens Feb. 6, with additional windows available in March and April should February not be met.
- A Dec. 20 crewed countdown demonstration inside the VAB reached T-minus 30 seconds, revealing communications and life-support closeout issues that teams are working to resolve.
- Administrator Jared Isaacman said NASA will release more detailed readiness and schedule information after rollout to ensure expectations are properly set.
- The 10-day flight will send Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a lunar free-return to validate Orion and SLS systems without attempting a landing.