Artemis 2 Crew Reaches Kennedy Ahead of Next Week’s Launch Window

Overview

• The four astronauts, who arrived Friday at Kennedy Space Center, began final quarantine and launch rehearsals before the window opens April 1.
• NASA has rolled the Space Launch System rocket with the Orion capsule to Launch Pad 39B, with daily launch opportunities from April 1 through April 6 and more possible later in the month.
• The mission will run about 10 days with checkout in Earth orbit, a push toward the Moon, a loop past the far side, and a parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific off California.
• After unexpected erosion of Orion’s heat shield on the uncrewed Artemis 1 reentry, NASA adjusted the return trajectory to ease the entry angle and reduce heating.
• The flight will not land on the Moon but will collect observations to help select an Artemis 4 landing site near the lunar south pole targeted for 2028.