{"id":575838,"date":"2026-04-01T20:13:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T20:13:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/575838\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T20:13:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T20:13:08","slug":"live-artemis-ii-launch-day-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/575838\/","title":{"rendered":"LIVE: Artemis II Launch Day Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

Live updates for launch of NASA\u2019s Artemis II test flight will be published on this page. NASA\u2019s launch broadcast coverage\u00a0is airing on\u00a0NASA+<\/a>,\u00a0Amazon Prime<\/a>, and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>.\u00a0All times are Eastern.<\/p>\n

4:02 p.m.<\/p>\n

Technicians began installing the crew module hatch service panel on the Orion spacecraft,\u00a0an important\u00a0step\u00a0in final launch preparations. This panel protects key connections and ensures the hatch area is secure for flight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As part of current closeout activities, teams are confirming all systems around the hatch are properly sealed and ready for the mission.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

With the hatch area secured, teams will continue final checks and countdown operations at Launch Pad 39B at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, bringing us closer to sending astronauts on a historic journey around the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3:39 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA engineers\u00a0have conducted\u00a0counterbalance mechanism operations and are now performing hatch seal pressure\u00a0decay checks inside the\u00a0White\u00a0Room at Launch Complex 39B. These steps ensure Orion\u2019s hatch\u00a0maintains\u00a0proper pressure integrity and that the counterbalance system functions as designed for launch conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The counterbalance mechanism is a precision-engineered assembly that offsets the weight of the crew module hatch, allowing technicians to open and close it smoothly without introducing stress on the hinge or seal. This system uses calibrated springs and dampers to\u00a0maintain\u00a0alignment and prevent sudden movements, which is essential for preserving the hatch\u2019s airtight seal. During this phase, technicians verify the mechanism\u2019s load distribution and confirm that its locking features engage correctly under simulated launch loads.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Following these adjustments, the team performs seal pressurization\u00a0decay checks\u00a0\u2013\u00a0monitoring pressure loss over time to confirm the hatch\u2019s integrity. These checks are vital for astronaut safety, ensuring the cabin remains secure in all mission phases.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3:17 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s Artemis II closeout crew is\u00a0now completing\u00a0one of the most critical steps before launch: preparing and closing the crew module hatch\u00a0to the Orion spacecraft. Inside the\u00a0White\u00a0Room at Launch Complex 39B, the closeout crew is working meticulously to inspect seals, secure fasteners, and verify that the hatch is airtight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This process ensures Orion<\/a>\u00a0is fully pressurized and ready for flight. Once the hatch is closed and locked, the astronauts are officially sealed inside their spacecraft, marking a major milestone on the path to liftoff.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

2:31 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s Artemis II crew members are boarding the agency\u2019s Orion spacecraft to begin communication checks to confirm voice links with mission control and onboard systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before entering the spacecraft that will be their home on the\u00a0approximately\u00a010-day journey around the Moon and back, all four crewmates signed the inside of the White Room, an area at the end of the crew access arm that provides access to the spacecraft. The term \u201cWhite Room\u201d dates to NASA\u2019s Gemini program, and to honor this human spaceflight tradition, the room\u00a0remains\u00a0white today.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Artemis II\u00a0closeout crew<\/a>\u00a0is now working to help the astronauts enter the\u00a0Orion spacecraft<\/a>\u00a0and make final preparations for their\u00a0nearly 700,000-mile\u00a0trip to the Moon and back. As part of the process, the closeout crew is helping the astronauts don their\u00a0Orion Crew Survival System<\/a>\u00a0helmets and gloves, as well as board Orion and get buckled in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

A short time\u00a0from now, the closeout crew will close the crew module and exterior launch abort system hatches. Even a single strand of hair inside the hatch doors could potentially pose issues with closing either hatch, so the process is carefully done and takes\u00a0up to\u00a0four hours. Each step in the closeout process ensures airtight seals and communication readiness for the mission ahead.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Following communication\u00a0checks, the team performed\u00a0suit leak checks\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a vital safety procedure ensuring each pressure suit\u00a0maintains\u00a0integrity in case of cabin depressurization. These operations are essential for crew readiness and mission assurance, marking one of the final phases before hatch closure and launch preparations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2:27 p.m.<\/p>\n

With\u00a0assistance\u00a0from the closeout crew,\u00a0the Artemis II crew\u00a0are\u00a0carefully donning\u00a0their helmets and gloves\u00a0\u2013\u00a0finalizing\u00a0suit integrity checks before boarding\u00a0the\u00a0Orion\u00a0spacecraft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This step is more than ceremonial; it ensures airtight seals and communication readiness for the mission ahead. The closeout crew plays a vital role, guiding the astronauts through these procedures and confirming every connection is secure before hatch closure.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Artemis II team through each countdown milestone on their path to liftoff.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2:14 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s Artemis II crew\u00a0NASA astronauts\u00a0Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen,\u00a0arrived at Launch Complex 39B at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the agency\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with Orion spacecraft atop stands ready for launch.\u00a0The opening of today\u2019s launch window\u00a0is slated\u00a0for\u00a0just over\u00a04\u00a0hours from now, at\u00a06:24 p.m. EDT.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the next few minutes, the crew will take the elevator up the pad\u2019s fixed service structure and walk down the climate-controlled crew access arm to the White Room, their final stop before climbing aboard\u00a0their\u00a0Orion spacecraft<\/a>. In this clean, controlled environment at the end of the crew access arm, the closeout crew will\u00a0assist\u00a0the astronauts with hatch operations and verify\u00a0that all safety systems are ready for launch.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Since the late 1960s, pads A and B at Kennedy\u2019s Launch Complex 39 have supported America\u2019s major space programs, with Pad A used most\u00a0frequently\u00a0for launches under the Space Shuttle Program. After the retirement of the shuttle in 2011, Pad A helped usher in a new era of human spaceflight as launch pad for the agency\u2019s Commercial Crew Program, which returned human spaceflight capability to the United States. Pad B saw the launch of NASA\u2019s Artemis I mission in November 2022 and will continue to be the primary launch pad for America\u2019s efforts to return to humans the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2 p.m.<\/p>\n

Just moments ago, NASA\u2019s Artemis II flight crew began the walk that every NASA astronaut has made since Apollo 7 in 1968, heading to the elevator and down through the double doors below the Neil A. Armstrong Building\u2019s Astronaut Crew Quarters at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before they left the suit-up room, the crew completed one last piece of unfinished business \u2013 a card game.\u00a0A long-held spaceflight tradition, NASA crews play cards before leaving the crew quarters ahead of launch until the commander, in this instance NASA astronaut\u00a0Reid Wisema<\/a>n, loses. It is hoped that by losing, the commander burns off all his or her bad luck, thereby clearing the mission for only good luck.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s Artemis II is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program and will carry Wiseman and fellow NASA astronauts\u00a0Victor Glover<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Christina Koch<\/a>, as well as CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen<\/a> on an\u00a0approximately\u00a010-day\u00a0mission around the Moon and back to Earth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The first crewed deep-space flight in over 50 years, Artemis II is expected to send the crew farther from Earth than any\u00a0previous\u00a0human mission, potentially breaking the record of about 248,655\u00a0miles (400,171\u00a0km) from Earth set by Apollo 13 during its lunar free-return trajectory. This milestone will occur during the lunar flyby phase, when the crew travels on a free-return trajectory around the Moon, which allows the spacecraft to loop around the Moon and return to Earth without entering lunar orbit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

During the test flight, NASA will test life-support systems and critical operations in deep space, paving the way for future lunar landings and Mars exploration.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Having\u00a0received goodbyes and well wishes from their families and friends, the crew embarks on\u00a0the\u00a020-minute journey\u00a0to Kennedy\u2019s Launch Pad 39B and their awaiting spacecraft.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1:36 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s pad rescue and closeout crew teams\u00a0have\u00a0arrived at\u00a0Launch Complex 39B at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to ensure safety and readiness during the critical fueling operations. These specialized teams play a vital role in protecting personnel and hardware throughout the countdown.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0pad rescue team<\/a>\u00a0will be positioned to respond\u00a0immediately\u00a0in the unlikely event of an emergency, ensuring safe evacuation procedures for pad personnel. The rescue team is equipped with advanced gear and trained for rapid crew extraction, fire suppression, and hazard mitigation. Their presence ensures astronaut safety\u00a0remains\u00a0the top priority, providing an all-important layer of protection as fueling operations and system checks continue.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The\u00a0closeout crew<\/a>\u00a0is responsible for\u00a0closing the Orion crew module and launch abort system hatches, securing access points, verifying pad configurations, and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0the integrity of the launch area during propellant loading and system checks. Their work is critical for guaranteeing a secure environment for the astronauts before the launch pad is cleared for liftoff operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These teams are essential for mitigating risk and supporting the complex choreography of Artemis II\u2019s prelaunch activities. With both teams in place, Artemis II\u00a0remains\u00a0on track for its historic mission to send astronauts around the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; and Christina Koch, mission specialist; along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist, are suiting up inside the Astronaut Crew Quarters of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A team of suit technicians help the crew put on their\u00a0Orion Crew Survival System<\/a>\u00a0suits, which are each tailored for mobility and comfort while ensuring maximum safety during the dynamic phases of flight. The bright orange spacesuits are designed to protect them on their journey and feature many improvements from head to toe to the suits worn on the space shuttle. NASA reengineered many elements to improve safety and range of motion for Artemis astronauts, and instead of the small, medium, and large sizes from the shuttle era, they are custom fit for each crew member.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The outer layer is fire-resistant, and a stronger zipper allows astronauts to quickly put the suit on. Improved thermal management will help keep them cool and dry. A lighter, stronger helmet improves comfort and communication, and the gloves are more durable and touch-screen compatible. Better-fitting boots also provide protection in the case of fire and help an astronaut move more swiftly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The suits\u2019\u00a0design and engineering enhancements provide an\u00a0additional\u00a0layer of protection for astronauts and ensure they return home safely from deep space missions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

During suit-up, teams will check for leaks and ensure that all connecting life support systems, including air and power, are operating nominally ahead of the crew\u2019s ride to NASA Kennedy\u2019s Launch Complex 39B.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

12:51 p.m.<\/p>\n

With NASA teams now maintaining the liquid oxygen levels in\u00a0the interim cryogenic propulsion,\u00a0all cryogenic stages of the\u00a0SLS\u00a0(Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0have transitioned to replenish mode during the Artemis II launch countdown. This includes the core stage and\u00a0SLS upper stage, ensuring both liquid hydrogen and\u00a0liquid\u00a0oxygen\u00a0tanks remain at flight-ready levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Replenish\u00a0mode is essential for maintaining stable propellant quantities and pressure as super-cold fuels naturally boil off over time. Continuous adjustments keep the rocket fully fueled and ready for ignition, supporting the RS-25 engines on the core stage and the RL10 engine on the\u00a0SLS upper stage\u00a0for their\u00a0essential\u00a0roles in launch and translunar injection.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These milestones coincide with the Artemis II countdown entering a planned\u00a01-hour and 10-minute built-in hold. This scheduled pause allows teams to complete\u00a0crucial\u00a0system checks, verify launch readiness, and address any last-minute adjustments before proceeding toward crew ingress and final fueling operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

During this hold, engineers review data from cryogenic loading, propulsion systems, and communications to ensure all parameters meet strict safety and performance criteria. The hold also provides flexibility for resolving minor issues without impacting the overall launch timeline.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Once the hold concludes, the countdown will resume with preparations for astronaut arrival at Launch Pad 39B\u00a0at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n

12:40 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s Artemis II\u00a0astronauts\u00a0received a final weather briefing inside the Astronaut Crew Quarters of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as part of prelaunch preparations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

This weather update provides astronauts and mission teams with the latest conditions at NASA Kennedy\u2019s Launch Pad 39B, the surrounding recovery zones, and potential abort sites along Artemis II\u2019s flight path. Accurate weather forecasting is essential for protecting crew and hardware, as even minor changes can impact countdown decisions and flight dynamics.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NASA astronauts\u00a0Reid Wiseman<\/a>, commander;\u00a0Victor Glover<\/a>, pilot; and\u00a0Christina Koch<\/a>, mission specialist; along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut\u00a0Jeremy Hansen<\/a>, mission specialist, were briefed on wind speeds, precipitation, lightning risk, and sea states for splashdown contingencies, ensuring all safety criteria are met before proceeding with launch operations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Weather officials with NASA and the U.S. Space Force\u2019s Space Launch Delta 45 are tracking 80% favorable conditions during the launch window, with primary concerns being the cumulus cloud rule, flight through precipitation rule, and ground winds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With the weather briefing complete, the crew and ground teams remain aligned and ready to continue toward liftoff, keeping Artemis II on track for its historic mission to send astronauts around the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NASA teams also have begun liquid oxygen (LOX) topping process for the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or SLS (Space Launch System) rocket upper stage, during the Artemis II launch countdown. This step follows the fast fill phase and ensures the liquid oxygen tank reaches full capacity with super-cold oxidizer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Live coverage of Artemis II tanking operations\u00a0continues on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>. NASA\u2019s full launch coverage\u00a0begins at 1 p.m. EDT\u00a0on\u00a0NASA+<\/a>,\u00a0Amazon Prime<\/a>, and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>.\u00a0You can continue to follow the\u00a0Artemis blog<\/a>\u00a0from launch to splashdown for mission updates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

12:23 p.m.<\/p>\n

Liquid oxygen (LOX) fast fill is now complete for the SLS (Space Launch System) upper stage, marking another major milestone in tanking operations. Teams have confirmed the upper stage is in\u00a0good shape\u00a0and are proceeding with the LOX vent and relief test. This step helps verify proper pressure regulation and ensures the system is ready to transition into topping and, later, replenish operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

12:03 p.m.<\/p>\n

NASA teams are now maintaining the liquid oxygen levels in the\u00a0SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0core stage through replenish mode. This phase follows the completion of\u00a0liquid oxygen\u00a0fast fill and topping, ensuring the oxidizer remains at flight-ready levels throughout the\u00a0final\u00a0countdown.\u00a0<\/p>\n

11:42 a.m.<\/p>\n

NASA teams are\u00a0in\u00a0fast fill of liquid oxygen (LOX) into the\u00a0interim cryogenic propulsion stage\u00a0as part of the Artemis II launch countdown. This phase rapidly loads the oxidizer after chilldown is complete, bringing the\u00a0SLS\u00a0(Space Launch System) rocket\u00a0upper stage\u00a0closer to full readiness for its role in sending the Orion spacecraft\u00a0into a high Earth orbit\u00a0ahead of a proximity operations demonstration test and Orion\u2019s translunar injection burn.\u00a0<\/p>\n

11:15 a.m.<\/p>\n

NASA teams have\u00a0transitioned the\u00a0interim cryogenic propulsion stage\u00a0liquid hydrogen tank to replenish mode during the Artemis II\u00a0countdown. This phase follows the successful topping process and ensures the tank remains at flight-ready levels all the way to launch.\u00a0<\/p>\n

11:09 a.m.<\/p>\n

NASA teams have begun the topping phase for the\u00a0interim cryogenic propulsion stage\u00a0liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank. This critical step occurs after successful chilldown and vent-and-relief checks, ensuring the tank reaches full capacity with super-cold liquid hydrogen.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Live coverage of tanking operations\u00a0continues on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

10:35 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team began\u00a0liquid hydrogen (LH2) replenish for\u00a0the SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0core stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Replenish\u00a0is the final step in the fueling process, designed to maintain the correct\u00a0LH2\u00a0levels as the super-cold propellant naturally boils off over time. This continuous, low-rate flow keeps the tanks topped off and thermally stable, ensuring the rocket remains fully fueled and ready for liftoff.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From chilldown to replenish, every phase of fueling is carefully managed to protect hardware and guarantee mission success. With replenish underway, Artemis II is in its final stretch toward launch and humanity\u2019s next giant leap.\u00a0<\/p>\n

10:24 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team initiated\u00a0liquid hydrogen (LH2) topping for the\u00a0SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Topping is the process of adding small amounts of\u00a0LH2\u00a0to the tanks after fast fill is complete, ensuring they remain at full capacity as the super-cold propellant naturally boils off. This step is critical for maintaining the precise levels needed for launch while keeping the system thermally stable.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch continuing live coverage of tanking operations\u00a0on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

9:52 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team transitioned\u00a0to the fast fill of liquid hydrogen\u00a0(LH2)\u00a0for\u00a0the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0upper stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After\u00a0completing the chilldown phase, this step rapidly loads super-cold\u00a0LH2 into the\u00a0SLS upper stage\u00a0tanks, ensuring the upper stage is fueled and ready to perform its\u00a0fundamental\u00a0role\u00a0of raising\u00a0the\u00a0Orion\u00a0spacecraft<\/a>\u00a0into a high Earth orbit\u00a0ahead of a proximity operations demonstration test and Orion\u2019s translunar injection burn.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fast fill accelerates the fueling process while maintaining safety, marking another major milestone in the countdown as Artemis II moves closer to liftoff.\u00a0<\/p>\n

9:36 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team\u00a0has begun\u00a0the liquid hydrogen chilldown for the\u00a0interim\u00a0cryogenic\u00a0propulsion\u00a0stage, or SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0upper stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This process gradually cools the\u00a0interim cryogenic propulsion stage\u00a0fuel lines and components to cryogenic temperatures using super-cold\u00a0liquid hydrogen. The chilldown step is essential to prevent thermal shock and ensure\u00a0the stage is properly conditioned for full propellant loading. By stabilizing the system at these extreme temperatures, engineers guarantee safe and efficient fueling for the upper stage that will help\u00a0position\u00a0Orion<\/a>\u00a0into high Earth orbit for its journey\u00a0toward the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

9:25 a.m.<\/p>\n

NASA astronauts\u00a0Reid Wiseman<\/a>,\u00a0Victor Glover<\/a>, and\u00a0Christina Koch<\/a>, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut\u00a0Jeremy Hansen<\/a>\u00a0have officially begun their launch day with a scheduled wake-up call at 9:25 a.m., marking the start of their final preparations for the historic Artemis II mission around the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

9:04 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team transitioned to the fast fill of liquid hydrogen (LH2) into the SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0core stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After\u00a0completing the slow fill phase, this step rapidly loads super-cold\u00a0LH2\u00a0into the rocket\u2019s massive tanks, bringing them closer to full capacity. LH2\u00a0flows at a much higher rate, reducing overall fueling time while maintaining safety since the system is already thermally conditioned.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch live coverage of tanking operations\u00a0on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

8:45 a.m.<\/p>\n

During tanking operations, teams transitioned the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket\u2019s core stage liquid oxygen (LOX) system from slow fill to fast fill, rapidly loading super-cold oxidizer into the tank while monitoring for leaks and maintaining proper thermal conditioning.<\/p>\n

LOX fast fill safely loads the bulk of the super-cold oxidizer needed for launch, allowing teams to rapidly bring the SLS rocket to flight-ready levels while closely monitoring the vehicle\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

8:35 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team\u00a0initiated\u00a0the slow fill\u00a0of\u00a0liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX)\u00a0into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

This phase introduces\u00a0the\u00a0super-cold\u00a0propellants\u00a0at a controlled rate, allowing the rocket\u2019s plumbing and tanks to gradually adjust to cryogenic temperatures. Slow fill minimizes thermal stress on hardware and ensures a smooth transition before moving to faster fueling stages.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a\u00a0vital\u00a0step in the countdown, setting the stage for full tanking operations.\u00a0Following completion of the slow-fill process for both propellants, teams will transition operations to the fast-fill phase.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch continuing live coverage of tanking operations\u00a0on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7:58 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II\u00a0launch team\u00a0is\u00a0now\u00a0performing\u00a0the liquid oxygen main propulsion system chilldown on the\u00a0SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0core stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Follow along with live coverage<\/a> of tanking operations\u202fahead of the\u202fArtemis II\u00a0test flight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7:44 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Artemis II launch team initiated\u00a0liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid\u00a0hydrogen\u00a0(LH2) transfer line\u00a0chilldown for the\u00a0SLS (Space Launch System)\u00a0rocket\u00a0core stage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chilldown is a critical step in preparing the rocket for safe\u00a0and efficient fueling, reducing risks and maintaining system integrity.\u00a0The\u00a0process gradually cools the rocket\u2019s plumbing and engine systems to cryogenic temperatures using super-cold liquid hydrogen, helping to\u00a0prevent thermal shock and ensuring\u00a0the hardware is conditioned\u00a0for the full flow of propellant during tanking.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Once chilldown\u00a0is\u00a0complete, teams will initiate slow fill followed by fast fill tanking operations as they load 700,000 gallons of super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen in the SLS core stage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Below are the as scheduled times for\u00a0core stage\u00a0slow and fast fill operations:\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H55M \u2013 L-9H25M:\u00a0Core stage LH2 slow fill start\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H40M \u2013 L-9H30M:\u00a0Core stage LOX slow fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H30M \u2013 L-6H40M:\u00a0Core stage LOX fast fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H25M \u2013 L-8H:\u00a0Core stage LH2 fast fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

Live coverage of tanking operations is now airing\u00a0on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7:33 a.m. <\/p>\n

Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson has given the official \u201cgo\u201d for tanking, and NASA teams are ready to start loading propellants into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. This\u00a0essential\u00a0step kicks off with the\u00a0chilldown\u00a0of the core stage liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen transfer lines, preparing the rocket for its historic mission.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Earlier this morning, engineers at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida\u00a0performed\u00a0the air-to-gaseous nitrogen changeover and cavity\u00a0inerting, a critical step to ensure crew safety and vehicle integrity. During this phase, atmospheric air inside the rocket\u2019s cavities is replaced with gaseous nitrogen, an inert gas that reduces the risk of combustion and contamination, creating a safe environment for\u00a0subsequent\u00a0fueling operations. By displacing oxygen and moisture, engineers\u00a0maintain\u00a0the purity and stability of the rocket\u2019s internal systems before cryogenic propellant loading begins.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The launch countdown, which started Monday\u00a0at 4:44 p.m. EDT,\u00a0is currently in a\u00a0built-in hold. This planned pause is a critical checkpoint in the countdown sequence, allowing teams to complete essential tasks and verify system readiness before moving forward.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

During this hold, engineers perform final configuration checks, review system health, and ensure all launch criteria are met.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0also a window for resolving any minor issues without\u00a0impacting\u00a0the overall timeline. These holds are standard in complex missions like Artemis II, providing flexibility and confidence as we prepare to send astronauts on a journey around the Moon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s launch day coverage begins with live views and audio commentary of tanking operations, as teams load propellant into the SLS rocket, at 7:45 a.m. on\u00a0NASA\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on\u00a0NASA+<\/a>,\u00a0Amazon Prime<\/a>, and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>.\u00a0Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the\u00a0Artemis blog<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Below\u00a0are\u00a0the countdown milestones as planned for tanking:\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-10H50M:\u00a0Launch team decides \u201cgo\u201d or \u201cno-go\u201d to begin tanking\u00a0the rocket \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-10H40M \u2013 L-10H35M:\u00a0Core stage LOX transfer line\u00a0chilldown\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-10H40M \u2013 L-9H55M:\u00a0Core stage LH2\u00a0chilldown\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-10H25M \u2013 L-9H40M:\u00a0Core stage LOX main propulsion system\u00a0chilldown\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H55M \u2013 L-9H25M:\u00a0Core stage LH2 slow fill start\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H40M \u2013 L-9H30M:\u00a0Core stage LOX slow fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H30M \u2013 L-6H40M:\u00a0Core stage LOX fast fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H25M \u2013 L-8H:\u00a0Core stage LH2 fast fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-9H05M \u2013 L-8H30M:\u00a0ICPS LH2\u00a0chilldown\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-8H30M \u2013 L-7H45M:\u00a0ICPS LH2 fast fill start\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-8H \u2013 L-7H55M:\u00a0Core stage LH2 topping\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-7H55M \u2013 terminal count:\u00a0Core stage LH2 replenish\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-7H45M \u2013 L-7H20M:\u00a0ICPS LH2 vent and relief test\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-7H20M \u2013 L-7H10M:\u00a0ICPS LH2 tank topping start\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-7H05M \u2013 terminal count:\u00a0ICPS LH2 replenish\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-6H40M \u2013 L-6H05M:\u00a0Core\u00a0stage LOX\u00a0topping\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-6H40M \u2013 L-6H30M:\u00a0ICPS LOX main propulsion system\u00a0chilldown\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-6H30M \u2013 L-5H45M:\u00a0ICPS LOX fast\u00a0fill\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-6H05M \u2013 terminal count:\u00a0Core stage LOX replenish\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-5H45M \u2013 L-5H30M:\u00a0ICPS LOX vent and relief test\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-5H30M \u2013 L-5H10M:\u00a0ICPS LOX topping\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-5H10M \u2013 terminal count:\u00a0ICPS LOX replenish\u00a0<\/p>\n

L-5H10M:\u00a0All stages replenish\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-6M:\u00a0GLS go for core stage tank pressurization \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-5M57S:\u00a0Core stage LH2 terminate replenish\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-4M40S:\u00a0GLS\u202fis go for LH2 high flow bleed check\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-4M:\u00a0Core stage LOX\u202fterminate\u00a0replenish\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-3M30S:\u00a0ICPS LOX\u202fterminate replenish \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-50S:\u00a0ICPS LH2 terminate replenish\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-33S:\u00a0GLS sends \u201cgo for automated launch sequencer\u201d command\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-30S:\u00a0Core stage flight computer to automated launching sequencer \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-12S:\u00a0Hydrogen burn off igniters initiated \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-10S:\u00a0GLS sends the command for core stage engine start\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-6.36S:\u00a0RS-25 engines startup \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

T-0:\u00a0Booster ignition, umbilical separation, and liftoff\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

April 1, 2026 7:36AM<\/p>\n

More from Missions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Live updates for launch of NASA\u2019s Artemis II test flight will be published on this page. NASA\u2019s launch…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":575839,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[4277,50776,49,48,154640,80249,154641,5341,58045,66,73322,154642],"class_list":{"0":"post-575838","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-science","8":"tag-artemis","9":"tag-artemis-2","10":"tag-ca","11":"tag-canada","12":"tag-christina-h-koch","13":"tag-exploration-ground-systems","14":"tag-g-reid-wiseman","15":"tag-kennedy-space-center","16":"tag-orion-multi-purpose-crew-vehicle","17":"tag-science","18":"tag-space-launch-system-sls","19":"tag-victor-j-glover"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/575838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=575838"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/575838\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/575839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=575838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=575838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=575838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}