Overview
- NASA says the rocket and Orion spacecraft are slated to roll out to the launch pad in less than two weeks to begin final integrated testing, including propellant loading checks.
- The four-person crew consists of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.
- Orion atop the Space Launch System will conduct a roughly 10-day loop around the Moon to validate life support, navigation and communications in deep space.
- The launch window opens February 6 and extends into April, with a specific date to be chosen after readiness reviews across the vehicle, facilities and operations.
- The push comes as the administration prioritizes U.S. leadership in space and as Artemis 3 targets a mid-2027 lunar landing, with commercial partners planning 2026 milestones such as Blue Origin’s lunar cargo test, Rocket Lab’s Neutron debut and Vast’s Haven-1 station attempt.