{"id":272245,"date":"2026-02-03T18:37:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T18:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/272245\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T18:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T18:37:23","slug":"artemis-2-sls-wet-dress-rehearsal-latest-news-nasa-to-update-public-on-moon-launch-after-fueling-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/272245\/","title":{"rendered":"Artemis 2 SLS wet dress rehearsal latest news: NASA to update public on moon launch after fueling test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Refresh <\/p>\n<p>2026-02-03T16:55:43.609Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-artemis-2-delay-press-conference-at-1-pm-et\"\/>Artemis 2 delay press conference at 1 pm ET<\/p>\n<p id=\"31723703-7d5a-4e91-a8cd-536f0c3ea947\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With NASA&#8217;s decision to delay its Artemis 2 moon mission to no earlier than March, the space agency will share its reasons during a public press conference today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The press briefing will begin at 1 p.m. EST (1800 GMT), and you&#8217;ll be able to watch it live at the top of this page at start time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">You may have been expecting the press conference at 12 p.m. ET (so like, right now) but that&#8217;s changed. NASA rescheuled it earlier this morning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Tune in at 1 p.m. ET for the latest from NASA!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" alt=\"Tariq Malik\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tariq Malik<\/p>\n<p>Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-03T08:58:31.043Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-pushing-artemis-2-moon-launch-to-march-at-the-earliest\"\/>NASA pushing Artemis 2 moon launch to March at the earliest<\/p>\n<p id=\"0e000a94-cdc0-4903-857c-e6c5bb3408fe\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">NASA announced early Tuesday morning (Feb. 3) that it&#8217;s no longer eyeing February for the launch of its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> mission, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon. The decision came after launch teams experienced several issues, including a <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-fuels-up-giant-artemis-2-moon-rocket-yes-its-a-little-leaky-so-is-it-ready-to-fly\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-fuels-up-giant-artemis-2-moon-rocket-yes-its-a-little-leaky-so-is-it-ready-to-fly\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">leak of liquid hydrogen propellant<\/a>, during the two-day-long wet dress rehearsal for Artemis 2. NASA wants to perform another wet dress, then gear up for liftoff.<\/p>\n<p>The February window had consisted of three possible remaining dates: Feb. 8, Feb. 10 and Feb. 11. Artemis 2 will <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-artemis-2-moon-launch-to-march-after-encountering-issues-during-fueling-test\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-artemis-2-moon-launch-to-march-after-encountering-issues-during-fueling-test\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">now launch no earlier than March<\/a> \u2014 specifically, March 6-9 or March 11. If the mission can&#8217;t hit any of those dates, another window opens in April, with potential launch dates on April 1, April 3-6 and April 30.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143832_225_UMqiK5HDNomGuiUXNukqyc.jpg\" alt=\"A NASA Artemis 2 rocket with service arm gantry and the full moon behind it.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143832_225_UMqiK5HDNomGuiUXNukqyc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143832_225_UMqiK5HDNomGuiUXNukqyc.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA\/Sam Lott)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-03T06:41:04.199Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-ends-artemis-2-wet-dress-rehearsal-early-due-to-hydrogen-leak\"\/>NASA ends Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal early due to hydrogen leak<\/p>\n<p id=\"eb9147da-37c4-49f8-983a-979e8d90846b\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">NASA ended the wet dress rehearsal for its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> moon mission launch a few minutes early on Tuesday morning (Feb. 3).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The &#8220;countdown was terminated at the T-5:15 minute mark due to a liquid hydrogen leak at the interface of the tail service mast umbilical, which had experienced high concentrations of liquid hydrogen earlier in the countdown as well,&#8221; NASA <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/missions\/2026\/02\/03\/artemis-ii-wet-dress-rehearsal-test-terminated-at-t-515\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">wrote in an update<\/a>. &#8220;The launch control team is working to ensure the SLS (<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/33908-space-launch-system.html\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/33908-space-launch-system.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Space Launch System<\/a>) rocket is in a safe configuration and begin draining its tanks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">NASA managed to <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-fuels-up-giant-artemis-2-moon-rocket-yes-its-a-little-leaky-so-is-it-ready-to-fly\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-fuels-up-giant-artemis-2-moon-rocket-yes-its-a-little-leaky-so-is-it-ready-to-fly\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fully fuel both SLS stages<\/a> with liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) propellants during the wet dress on Monday (Feb. 2), despite pausing twice to deal with an LH2 leak. NASA has been targeting Feb. 8 for the launch of Artemis 2, which will send four astronauts on a trip around the moon, but the results of the wet dress rehearsal will help determine if that timeline can be met. The agency will update us on those results on Tuesday, during a press conference that starts at noon EST (1700 GMT).<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wuo3HR5TsQipTXoyKLo2D8.jpg\" alt=\"NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket on the pad.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wuo3HR5TsQipTXoyKLo2D8.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wuo3HR5TsQipTXoyKLo2D8.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-03T00:19:06.486Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-activates-artemis-2-closeout-crew\"\/>NASA activates Artemis 2 &#8216;closeout crew&#8217;<\/p>\n<p id=\"d771c00b-ecff-48fc-bad6-eff58ec83b3c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> wet dress rehearsal is proceeding apace. NASA managed to <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-fuels-up-giant-artemis-2-moon-rocket-yes-its-a-little-leaky-so-is-it-ready-to-fly\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-fuels-up-giant-artemis-2-moon-rocket-yes-its-a-little-leaky-so-is-it-ready-to-fly\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fully fuel<\/a> the mission&#8217;s Space Launch System rocket today (Feb. 2) and has now moved to check another box, dispatching the &#8220;closeout crew&#8221; to Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The closeout crew is responsible for securing Artemis 2&#8217;s <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/27824-orion-spacecraft.html\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/27824-orion-spacecraft.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Orion<\/a> capsule, making sure it&#8217;s safe and ready for crewmembers to come aboard (as they will before the mission&#8217;s actual launch, which is currently targeted for Feb. 8).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The closeout team &#8220;will close the spacecraft&#8217;s hatches, verify hatch seals, check environmental conditions and confirm all systems are ready for the next steps in the countdown,&#8221; NASA wrote in an <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/missions\/2026\/02\/02\/artemis-ii-wet-dress-rehearsal-closeout-crew-departs-to-white-room\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">update today<\/a> (Feb. 2). &#8220;Their work is critical for maintaining safety and readiness as Artemis 2 moves closer to its first crewed mission around the moon.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">NASA is in the final stages of the two-day-long wet dress rehearsal now. This exercise is targeting a simulated launch time of 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT) tonight but could continue for another four hours or so beyond that, agency officials have said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/yPymoJ57q4otgWYMamNAFc.jpg\" alt=\"NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket on the pad at Kennedy Space Center during its fueling test on Feb. 2, 2026.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/yPymoJ57q4otgWYMamNAFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/yPymoJ57q4otgWYMamNAFc.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T22:56:46.997Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-artemis-2-moon-rocket-fully-fueled\"\/>Artemis 2 moon rocket fully fueled<\/p>\n<p id=\"be3bd9a7-4193-48e2-99c8-09552f174535\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">NASA has fueled up its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> Space Launch System moon rocket, filling the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks in both of the vehicle&#8217;s stages. Teams have moved on to the &#8220;replenish&#8221; phase of the ongoing Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal, which involves keeping those tanks topped up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ZMHWGZCF6FY9jGyDe4DZFB.jpg\" alt=\"NASA fuels its Artemis 2 moon rocket during a crucial prelaunch test on Feb. 2, 2026.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ZMHWGZCF6FY9jGyDe4DZFB.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ZMHWGZCF6FY9jGyDe4DZFB.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T22:00:20.321Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-completes-sls-core-stage-fueling\"\/>NASA completes SLS core stage fueling<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bpnuXcmW4dKPSyug7G6LdN.png\" alt=\"A rocket stands against pale sky.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bpnuXcmW4dKPSyug7G6LdN.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/bpnuXcmW4dKPSyug7G6LdN.png\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p id=\"9ed7a733-91f0-4130-912e-10029ba43a23\">In a major milestone for the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal, NASA completed fueling of the SLS core stage with liquid hydrogen propellant.<\/p>\n<p>The stage will now enter into a topping phase, with a slow replenishment of fuel to replace boil-off hydrogen as the clock clicks down the hours.<\/p>\n<p>A small hydrogen leak at the SLS tail service mast umbilical has persisted, but NASA engineers have deemed it within acceptable limits.<\/p>\n<p>The count now proceeds toward a targeted T-0 of 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT, Feb. 3).<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T21:01:32.510Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-resumes-liquid-hydrogen-fill-for-sls-core-stage\"\/>NASA resumes liquid hydrogen fill for SLS core stage<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4jk3gJhJK6yQWfXYK2WraE.png\" alt=\"an orange rocket stands against a pale sky.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4jk3gJhJK6yQWfXYK2WraE.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4jk3gJhJK6yQWfXYK2WraE.png\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p id=\"1cf69b26-f339-4668-9276-0b03efb19473\">At just over five hours to the simulated launch, mission operators have officially resumed fast filling LH2 into the SLS core stage, and begun filling the ICPS upper stage with liquid oxygen.<\/p>\n<p>If everything continues smoothly from here, the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal could successfully reach the T-0 goal of 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT, Feb. 3), though that window extends to early Feb. 3 at 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT), giving mission managers some wiggle room if further holds are necessary.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T20:15:44.237Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-sls-stage-2-fueling-underway-as-nasa-troubleshoots-lh2-leak\"\/>SLS stage 2 fueling underway as NASA troubleshoots LH2 leak<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.18%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4wc9AmR9CQKNT4m7DUN5Xe.png\" alt=\"a transparent rocket graphic shows fueling levels\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4wc9AmR9CQKNT4m7DUN5Xe.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4wc9AmR9CQKNT4m7DUN5Xe.png\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p id=\"170a4ece-719e-4524-b7cd-dcd77e392af3\">As NASA ground operators continue troubleshooting the LH2 loading issue with the SLS core stage, mission managers have continued with other stages of tanking as the countdown has progressed.<\/p>\n<p>At T-6:00 to wet dress rehearsal&#8217;s simulated 9p.m. EST (0200 GMT, Feb. 3) liftoff time, propellant loading for the rest of the rocket has remained nominal. LOX levels on the SLS core stage are nearing 90%, LOX chill-down for the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) has begun and LH2 loading of the ICPS is approaching 20%.<\/p>\n<p>With NASA&#8217;s window extending all the way until 1a.m. EST (0600) tomorrow morning, mission managers have some wiggle room to continue troubleshooting the off-nominal LH2 leak before the clock runs out. It is notable, however, that the fuel leak being investigated is the same tail service mast umbilical associated with the hydrogen issues that plagued the Artemis 1 SLS during its wet dress rehearsals.<\/p>\n<p>In an update, NASA said it is utilizing troubleshooting procedures put in place as a result of Artemis 1 to address today&#8217;s fueling issue.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T19:05:43.770Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-liquid-hydrogen-loading-stopped-for-troubleshooting\"\/>Liquid hydrogen loading stopped &#8216;for troubleshooting&#8217;<\/p>\n<p id=\"5f296515-b165-4908-8f7e-6dc59a46bbf5\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Teams stopped loading cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) into the Artemis 2 SLS core stage at 1:32 p.m. EST (1832 GMT) &#8220;for troubleshooting,&#8221; according to an update on NASA&#8217;s livestream of the ongoing wet dress rehearsal. Tanking continues with the other SLS propellant, liquid oxygen (LOX).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Tanking of the giant rocket began today (Feb. 2) at 12:15 p.m. EST (1725 GMT) with LH2 loading. LOX loading commenced 10 minutes later.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.26%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vWVGkuTtfEYXWayYybYM86.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram showing the progress of the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal tanking operation on Feb. 2, 2026.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vWVGkuTtfEYXWayYybYM86.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vWVGkuTtfEYXWayYybYM86.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA TV)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T17:31:16.118Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-sls-core-stage-tanking-underway\"\/>SLS core stage tanking underway<\/p>\n<p id=\"fcf12385-3dba-45ba-84c5-4b590e878dbd\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Ground teams at NASA&#8217;s Kennedy Space Center began filling the Artemis 2 SLS core stage with cryogenically-cooled liquid hydrogen at 12:15 p.m. EST (1715 GMT), followed at 12:25 (1725 GMT) with the start of liquid oxygen, kicking off a process that will last about three hours to fill the first stage tanks with LH2 and liquid oxygen propellants.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.21%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SFaQnxkfXPSmEF2Jza2t9U.png\" alt=\"An orange rocket with a white top stands against a dynamic sky.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SFaQnxkfXPSmEF2Jza2t9U.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SFaQnxkfXPSmEF2Jza2t9U.png\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA)<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Dinner\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Josh Dinner<\/p>\n<p>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T17:13:56.070Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-sls-core-stage-cryogenic-chilldown-underway-ahead-of-propellant-tanking\"\/>SLS core stage cryogenic chilldown underway ahead of propellant tanking<\/p>\n<p id=\"f31d54c7-28fa-4c87-98bd-e96f0065bc6d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Artemis 2 mission teams began the chilldown procedure for the SLS core stage&#8217;s cryogenic propellants lines at 11:42 a.m. EST (1642 GMT). This critical step ensures ground infrastructure maintains the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuels without significant boil off as they are transferred into the rocket.<\/p>\n<p>Swipe to scroll horizontallySLS tanking timeline, per NASA<\/p>\n<p>T-9:25 &#8211; 9:00<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LH2 slow fill start<\/p>\n<p>T-9:00 &#8211; 7:40<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LH2 fast fill<\/p>\n<p>T-9:10 &#8211; 8:55<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LOX slow fill<\/p>\n<p>T-8:55 &#8211; 6:10<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LOX fast fill<\/p>\n<p>T-8:45 &#8211; 8:10<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LH2 chilldown<\/p>\n<p>T-8:10 &#8211; 7:25<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LH2 fast fill star<\/p>\n<p>T-7:45 &#8211; 6:00<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LOX main propulsion system chilldown<\/p>\n<p>T-7:40 &#8211; 7:30<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LH2 topping<\/p>\n<p>T-7:30<\/p>\n<p>terminal count: Core stage LH2 replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-7:25 &#8211; 7:05<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LH2 vent and relief test<\/p>\n<p>T-7:05 &#8211; 6:55<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LH2 tank topping start<\/p>\n<p>T-6:50 &#8211; terminal count<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LH2 replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-6:10 &#8211; 5:40<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LOX topping<\/p>\n<p>T-6:10 &#8211; 5:40<\/p>\n<p>Orion communications system activated<\/p>\n<p>T-6:00 &#8211; 5:15<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LOX fast fill<\/p>\n<p>T-5:40 <\/p>\n<p>Stage pad rescue<\/p>\n<p>T-5:40 <\/p>\n<p>Closeout crew assemble<\/p>\n<p>T-5:40 &#8211; terminal count<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LOX replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-5:15 &#8211; 5:00<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LOX vent and relief test<\/p>\n<p>T-5:00 &#8211; 4:40<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LOX topping<\/p>\n<p>T-4:40<\/p>\n<p>All stages replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-4:40<\/p>\n<p>Start 40-minute built in hold<\/p>\n<p>T-4:40 &#8211; terminal count<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LOX replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-4:40 &#8211; 4:25<\/p>\n<p>Closeout crew to white room<\/p>\n<p>T-4:40 &#8211; 4:20<\/p>\n<p>Crew Module hatch preps and closure<\/p>\n<p>T-4:20 &#8211; 3:20<\/p>\n<p>Counterbalance mechanism hatch sealpress decay<\/p>\n<p>T-3:20 &#8211; 2:40<\/p>\n<p>Crew Module Hatch service panel install\/closeouts<\/p>\n<p>T-2:40 &#8211; 2:20<\/p>\n<p>Launch Abort System (LAS) Hatch closure for flight<\/p>\n<p>T-1:45 &#8211; 1:40<\/p>\n<p>Closeout crew departs Launch Complex 39B<\/p>\n<p>T-1:10<\/p>\n<p>Launch Director brief<\/p>\n<p>T-0:40:00<\/p>\n<p>Built in 30-minute countdown hold begins<\/p>\n<p id=\"d6d6777c-de1b-4161-b7fb-e95866f5e3c9\">This will bring SLS into its terminal count. Beginning at T-10 minutes, teams will be put through a series of holds and count recycles to ensure readiness under a variety of scenarios.<\/p>\n<p>Swipe to scroll horizontallyTerminal count<\/p>\n<p> T-0:25:00<\/p>\n<p>Transition team to Orion to Earth communication loop<\/p>\n<p> T-0:16:00<\/p>\n<p>The launch director polls the team to ensure they are \u201cgo\u201d for launch<\/p>\n<p>T-0:10:00<\/p>\n<p>Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) initiates terminal count<\/p>\n<p>T-0:08:00<\/p>\n<p>Crew Access Arm retract<\/p>\n<p>T-0:06:00<\/p>\n<p>Orion set to internal power<\/p>\n<p>T-0:05:57<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LH2 terminate replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-0:04:00<\/p>\n<p>Core stage LOX terminate replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-0:04:00<\/p>\n<p>Core Stage APU starts<\/p>\n<p>T-0:03:30<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LOX terminate replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-0:02:02<\/p>\n<p>ICPS switches to internal battery power<\/p>\n<p>T-0:02:00<\/p>\n<p>Booster switches to internal batter power<\/p>\n<p>T-0:01:30<\/p>\n<p>Hold for three minutes to verify core stage certification hold time<\/p>\n<p>T-0:01:30<\/p>\n<p>Core stage switches to internal power<\/p>\n<p>T-0:01:20<\/p>\n<p>ICPS enters terminal countdown mode<\/p>\n<p>T-0:00:50<\/p>\n<p>ICPS LH2 terminate replenish<\/p>\n<p>T-0:00:33<\/p>\n<p>GLS sends \u201cgo for automated launch sequencer\u201d command<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Dinner\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Josh Dinner<\/p>\n<p>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T16:30:31.450Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-begins-sls-fueling-coverage-for-artemis-2-wet-dress-rehearsal\"\/>NASA begins SLS fueling coverage for Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KFyNbu6r84jdvdeYBV4PzV.jpg\" alt=\"An orange rocket with a white top stands against a dynamic sky.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KFyNbu6r84jdvdeYBV4PzV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KFyNbu6r84jdvdeYBV4PzV.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Space.com \/ Josh Dinner)<\/p>\n<p id=\"b022fc59-4605-4f01-a651-c7d6fc78f919\">NASA has begun its commentary coverage for the final day of the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal. Teams were given the &#8220;go&#8221; to proceed into fueling operations from Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and mission managers at 11:25 a.m. EST (1625 GMT), and will now proceed into the critical tanking phase of the two-day long SLS launch simulation test.<\/p>\n<p>Fueling the rocket successfully is a crucial milestone for the rocket ahead of its qualification to launch astronauts around the moon. Issues during the first Artemis 1 wet dress rehearsal in April 2022 led to nearly six months of troubleshooting before the rocket was cleared for flight. If everything today goes smoothly, NASA is targeting 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT, Feb. 3) for T-0, but could extend the test to early Tuesday morning (Feb. 3) at 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Dinner\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Josh Dinner<\/p>\n<p>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-02T13:48:01.373Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-non-essential-personnel-cleared-from-launchpad-ahead-of-sls-fueling\"\/>Non-essential personnel cleared from launchpad ahead of SLS fueling<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8X5XWKp9zzLT5yoejR9h79.jpg\" alt=\"A silhouette of a rocket surrounded by scaffolding is seen in a dim yellow sunset\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8X5XWKp9zzLT5yoejR9h79.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8X5XWKp9zzLT5yoejR9h79.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA\/Sam Lott)<\/p>\n<p id=\"8c4e7758-ced5-4e09-9dfc-ff0af49e6efa\">With the sun rising on the second day of the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal, NASA is preparing the SLS for the test&#8217;s most critical phase: Fueling.<\/p>\n<p>Following NASA&#8217;s countdown timeline, all non-essential personnel were scheduled to be cleared from Launch Complex-39B this morning (Feb. 2), ahead of operations to begin fueling SLS with cryogenic propellants.<\/p>\n<p>The fueling portion of the wet dress rehearsal will begin around 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT), and encompass the remaining 10 hours of testing. NASA is targeting a simulated T-0 of 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT, Feb. 3), which they say could extend to early Tuesday morning (Feb. 3) at 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT).<\/p>\n<p>You can watch the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal live here at <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Space.com<\/a>, courtesy of NASA; the agency is livestreaming the wet dress 24\/7.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/watch-nasa-fuel-up-its-artemis-2-moon-rocket-today-in-critical-prelaunch-test\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/watch-nasa-fuel-up-its-artemis-2-moon-rocket-today-in-critical-prelaunch-test\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Watch NASA fuel up its Artemis 2 moon rocket today in critical prelaunch test<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Dinner\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Josh Dinner<\/p>\n<p>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-01T19:50:11.305Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-artemis-2-moon-rocket-powered-up-for-test\"\/>Artemis 2 moon rocket powered up for test<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143832_225_UMqiK5HDNomGuiUXNukqyc.jpg\" alt=\"A NASA Artemis 2 rocket with service arm gantry and the full moon behind it.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143832_225_UMqiK5HDNomGuiUXNukqyc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143832_225_UMqiK5HDNomGuiUXNukqyc.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA\/Sam Lott)<\/p>\n<p id=\"9f338e17-a331-4e16-b680-6388ab5dd9a4\">NASA engineers have powered up the huge core stage of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-rolls-artemis-2-rocket-to-the-pad-ahead-of-historic-moon-launch\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-rolls-artemis-2-rocket-to-the-pad-ahead-of-historic-moon-launch\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket<\/a> that will take four astronuts to the moon later this month, but only if the mega booster passes a critical fueling test on Monday, Feb. 2 at its Pad 39B launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/p>\n<p>NASA began the 49-hour countdown <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">toward the fueling test<\/a> (which reaches a simulated launch time at 9 p.m. EST on Monday) on Saturday night, with the clock started at 8:13 p.m. EST (2313 GMT). If all goes well, the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2 mission<\/a> could launch astronauts to the moon as early as Feb. 8.<\/p>\n<p>Overnight, NASA powered up the second stage of the rocket and earlier today the massive core stage of the 322-foot <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/33908-space-launch-system.html\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/33908-space-launch-system.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Space Launch System<\/a> booster was powered on, NASA said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Early this morning, at approximately L-39 hours and 30 minutes, teams powered up the rocket\u2019s \u202fcore stage, which soon will be loaded with more than 700,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen during the tanking phase of the\u202fcountdown. This will occur over a series of different propellant loading milestones to fill, top off, and replenish the tanks. The interim cryogenic propulsion stage was powered up overnight,&#8221; NASA <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/missions\/2026\/02\/01\/wet-dress-rehearsal-countdown-progressing-for-artemis-ii\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">wrote in an update<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/27824-orion-spacecraft.html\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/27824-orion-spacecraft.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Orion<\/a> has remained powered over the last several days due to cold temperatures in Florida. Engineers are preparing to charge Orion\u2019s flight batteries and soon will begin core stage battery charge,&#8221; the agency said.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" alt=\"Tariq Malik\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tariq Malik<\/p>\n<p>Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-01T14:17:45.435Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-countdown-begins-for-artemis-2-fueling-test\"\/>Countdown begins for Artemis 2 fueling test<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JMQnWCfPjpEvzjT3MWffuU.jpg\" alt=\"NASA's giant white and tan rocket on the way to the launch pad\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JMQnWCfPjpEvzjT3MWffuU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/JMQnWCfPjpEvzjT3MWffuU.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA\/Joel Kowsky)<\/p>\n<p id=\"8838b169-0b1d-4f37-af06-343aba4c3c8b\">Good morning, space fans! Happy Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>NASA officially began the countdown last night for its upcomiong <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2 fueling test<\/a> as it works toward a Feb. 8 launch target for the first astronaut trip around the moon in over 50 years.<\/p>\n<p>The countdown began at 8:13 p.m. EST (2313 GMT), which marked the L-48 hours, 40-minute mark to a &#8220;simulated&#8221; launch time on Monday, Feb. 2 at 9 p.m. EST (0200 Feb. 3). The so-called wet dress rehearsal will run through about 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT) on Feb. 3, NASA has said.<\/p>\n<p>You can see<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/watch-nasas-artemis-2-moon-rocket-on-the-launch-pad-with-this-24-hour-livestream\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/watch-nasas-artemis-2-moon-rocket-on-the-launch-pad-with-this-24-hour-livestream\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> live views of the Artemis 2 moon rocket on the launch pad here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This test will run the launch team, as well as supporting teams in the Mission Control Center at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston and other supporting NASA centers, through a full range of operations, including loading cryogenic liquid propellant into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket\u2019s tanks, conducting a launch countdown, demonstrating the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and draining the tanks to practice scrub procedures,&#8221; NASA <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/missions\/2026\/01\/31\/countdown-begins-for-artemis-ii-wet-dress-rehearsal\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">wrote in an update<\/a>. &#8220;These steps ensure the team is fully prepared for launch day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2 mission<\/a> will last about 10 days and send four astronauts around the moon on an Orion spacecraft atop NASA&#8217;s giant Space Launch System megarocket. The launch window this month runs from Feb. 8 to Feb. 11, with additional windows in March and April.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" alt=\"Tariq Malik\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tariq Malik<\/p>\n<p>Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n<p>2026-01-31T16:48:13.998Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-artemis-2-fueling-test-to-begin-preps-tonight\"\/>Artemis 2 fueling test to begin preps tonight<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VjdTcKugRtBLgrWKkUF2Hi.jpg\" alt=\"An orange rocket with a white top next to a launch tower.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VjdTcKugRtBLgrWKkUF2Hi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VjdTcKugRtBLgrWKkUF2Hi.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Space.com \/ Josh Dinner)<\/p>\n<p id=\"03b3236c-5687-4b4c-b8ce-7d6192cc2ee1\">Good morning, Space Fans!<\/p>\n<p>Today is Saturday, Jan. 31 and tonight NASA is gearing up to to begin its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">first fueling test for the the Artemis 2 Space Launch System<\/a> moon rocket for a so-called &#8220;wet dress rehearsal.&#8221; That&#8217;s NASA-speak for let&#8217;s gas up the rocket and see if it is working right.<\/p>\n<p>While the fueling test is actually scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2, the work actually begins tonight at about 8 p.m. ET (0100 Feb. 1 GMT). That&#8217;s because launch flight controllers and pad engineers need to begin taking their stations 49 hours BEFORE the fueling test&#8217;s planned T-0 &#8220;launch&#8221; time of 9 p.m. ET on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>The Artemis 2 fueling test is being conducted at Launch Pad 39A of NASA&#8217;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the towering 322-foot rocket was rolled out earlier this month.<\/p>\n<p>The fueling test has seesawed a bit back and forth. It was originally scheduled for Feb. 2, then moved up to Jan. 31, then pushed back to Feb. 2 due to freezing temperatures at the Kennedy Space Center this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> launch date will depend on the results of this fueling test. Currently, Artemis 2 is scheduled to launch 4 astronauts to the moon no earlier than Feb. 8.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" alt=\"Tariq Malik\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tariq Malik<\/p>\n<p>Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n<p>2026-01-30T23:44:33.209Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-artemis-2-moon-launch-may-delay-iss-crew-12-mission\"\/>Artemis 2 moon launch may delay ISS Crew-12 mission<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.22%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/qjFhWEU8YNq5fPZX6C7ENY.jpg\" alt=\"four humans in white helmets\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/qjFhWEU8YNq5fPZX6C7ENY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/qjFhWEU8YNq5fPZX6C7ENY.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>The Crew-12 astronauts are (from left to right): NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.\u00a0 (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n<p id=\"da3b8a64-caac-4337-ba25-643e6714f155\">NASA&#8217;s plan to launch its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts around the moon around Feb. 8 has cast doubt on whether the next U.S. crew launch to the International Space Station will lift off on time.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2 is currently scheduled to launch<\/a> four astronauts around the moon late in the evening on Feb. 8 from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/nasa-and-spacex-move-up-launch-of-crew-12-astronauts-to-feb-11-as-relief-crew-after-iss-medical-evacuation\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/nasa-and-spacex-move-up-launch-of-crew-12-astronauts-to-feb-11-as-relief-crew-after-iss-medical-evacuation\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NASA&#8217;s Crew-12 mission<\/a> to the ISS was scheduled to launch on a SpaceX <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18852-spacex-dragon.html\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18852-spacex-dragon.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dragon capsule<\/a> and Falcon 9 rocket from a nearby pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.<\/p>\n<p>But if Artemis 2 launches on time, or anytime during its launch window of Feb. 8 to Feb. 11, NASA will wait to launch Crew-12 to the International Space Station until at leas Feb. 19, after the Artemis 2 astronauts return home from their 10-day mission, NASA officials said in a press conference today.<\/p>\n<p>See our full story by Josh dinner here:<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/nasas-artemis-2-mission-to-the-moon-puts-crew-12-spacex-launch-in-delicate-dance\" target=\"_blank\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight\/nasas-artemis-2-mission-to-the-moon-puts-crew-12-spacex-launch-in-delicate-dance\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">NASA&#8217;s Artemis 2 mission to the moon puts Crew-12 SpaceX launch in delicate dance<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" alt=\"Tariq Malik\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tariq Malik<\/p>\n<p>Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n<p>2026-01-30T17:37:35.624Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-delays-artemis-2-fueling-test-back-to-feb-2\"\/>NASA delays Artemis 2 fueling test back to Feb. 2<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143842_674_ivgtCLrCm3betRhcq4T3cV.jpg\" alt=\"An orange rocket with a white top stands against a dynamic sky.\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143842_674_ivgtCLrCm3betRhcq4T3cV.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770143842_674_ivgtCLrCm3betRhcq4T3cV.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Space.com \/ Josh Dinner)<\/p>\n<p id=\"e8c3a792-b8e9-44ed-a500-734192317e98\">Happy Friday, Space Fans! It is Jan. 30 and this morning, NASA pushed back its planned &#8220;<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-moves-critical-fueling-test-for-artemis-2-moon-rocket-up-to-jan-31\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-moves-critical-fueling-test-for-artemis-2-moon-rocket-up-to-jan-31\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">wet dress rehearsal<\/a>&#8221; test of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-2-humans-moon-orbit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artemis 2<\/a> moon rocket to no earlier than Feb. 2 (it&#8217;s original date) due to freezing temperatures at its Launch Pad 39B pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s our latest update from writer Josh Dinner: <\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/nasa-delays-critical-artemis-2-rocket-fueling-test-due-to-below-freezing-temperatures-launch-no-earlier-than-feb-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NASA delays critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test due to below-freezing temperatures, launch no earlier than Feb. 8<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Notice anything about that headline? If you said the launch date, you get a prize.<\/p>\n<p>With the wet dress rehearsal, essentially a critical fueling test of the Artemis 2 <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/33908-space-launch-system.html\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/33908-space-launch-system.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Space Launch System<\/a> moon rocket, now back on Feb. 2, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/blogs\/missions\/2026\/01\/30\/nasa-updates-artemis-ii-wet-dress-rehearsal-launch-opportunities\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">NASA said in a statement<\/a> that it can no longer target Feb. 6 or Feb. 7, the first two days of its launch window. The Artemis 2 launch window originally ran from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10.<\/p>\n<p>NASA does have opportunities to launch the mission on Feb. 8, Feb. 10 and Feb. 11. A Feb. 8 launch would lift off at 11:20 p.m. ET (0429 GMT), NASA has said.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" alt=\"Tariq Malik\"   class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tariq Malik<\/p>\n<p>Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n<p>2026-01-29T13:58:26.223Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-nasa-beginning-wet-dress-rehearsal-operations-thursday-evening\"\/>NASA beginning wet dress rehearsal operations Thursday evening<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MCiScakSZ2vqXwrZxDLioh.jpg\" alt=\"a futuristic looking room with hexagons on the ceiling\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MCiScakSZ2vqXwrZxDLioh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MCiScakSZ2vqXwrZxDLioh.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: NASA\/Rad Sinyak)<\/p>\n<p id=\"28bf4d72-7c43-4056-85ee-280f8666982e\">Artemis 2 mission operators at NASA are preparing the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for it&#8217;s last critical test before launch.<\/p>\n<p>The SLS wet dress rehearsal will simulate a mission countdown for ground teams to power on and fuel the rocket as a final qualifying check before Artemis 2 launches to the moon.<\/p>\n<p>NASA is targeting a call to stations as early as 8:00 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) on Thursday (Jan. 29), about 49 hours before a simulated liftoff time on Saturday, at 9:00 p.m. EST (0200 GMT, Feb. 1).<\/p>\n<p>If the test goes smoothly, NASA could choose to proceed toward the February launch window for Artemis 2, which opens Feb. 6-10.<\/p>\n<p>Please follow our <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.space.com\/41418-about-us.html#section-community-guidelines&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\">community guidelines<\/a>.&#8221; data-join-the-conversation-text=&#8221;Join the Conversation&#8221;&gt;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<p>Logout<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Refresh 2026-02-03T16:55:43.609Z Artemis 2 delay press conference at 1 pm ET With NASA&#8217;s decision to delay its Artemis&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":264490,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[85,46,141,145],"class_list":["post-272245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-space","tag-il","tag-israel","tag-science","tag-space"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=272245"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272245\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/264490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=272245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=272245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=272245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}