Nasa has announced a revision of the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal schedule, adjusting key dates due to adverse weather conditions. The updated plan now targets February 2 as the tanking day at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Revised Schedule for Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal
The first potential launch opportunity has been set for no earlier than February 8. Engineers have actively monitored the weather as cold temperatures and high winds impact Florida. In light of an unusual arctic outbreak, NASA managers evaluated hardware capabilities against the forecast and decided to alter the schedule accordingly.
Key Changes to the Timeline
- Tanking day: February 2, 2026
- First potential launch: Not before February 8, 2026
- Wet dress rehearsal countdown begins: 49 hours prior to tanking
NASA teams are prepared for the wet dress rehearsal, but the revised timeline ensures better conditions during the rehearsal. Weather forecasts this weekend suggested conditions unfavorable for launch, prompting the decision to delay.
Implications of Weather on Preparation
NASA has kept the Orion spacecraft powered and its heating systems configured for the cold weather. Additionally, purges have been set up to ensure optimal environmental conditions for critical rocket and spacecraft components.
Ongoing Monitoring and Crewed Quarantine
The Artemis II crew remains in quarantine in Houston as preparations for their arrival are continuously evaluated. NASA is committed to assessing weather conditions leading up to the wet dress rehearsal.
Real-Time Updates and Live Streaming
A live stream of the rocket at the launch pad is available around the clock. NASA will also provide a dedicated feed to showcase wet dress rehearsal activities, along with real-time blog updates during the fueling process.
Essential updates will continue as NASA works towards ensuring a successful Artemis II mission, adapting to changing conditions while maintaining operational readiness.
