NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission on Track for March 6 Launch

Four astronauts are about to make history, and NASA just cleared one of the final hurdles standing in their way.

After fixing stubborn fuel leaks, NASA successfully loaded propellant into its massive Space Launch System rocket on Thursday night. The test gives mission managers confidence that the Artemis II crew could launch as soon as March 6 on a journey around the Moon.

The successful test marks a dramatic turnaround from just weeks ago. During the first fueling attempt on February 2, hydrogen gas leaked from the rocket's main fuel line, forcing NASA to scrub a series of planned February launches. Technicians replaced the seals at the launch pad, and this time everything held tight.

"We were able to fully fuel the SLS rocket within the planned timeline," said Lori Glaze, NASA's acting associate administrator for exploration programs. The hydrogen sensors showed concentrations at just 1.6 percent, about one tenth of NASA's safety limit.

The mission will carry commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen on a nine to ten day journey. They'll loop around the far side of the Moon before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, setting the record for the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth.

No one has flown near the Moon since 1972. This mission paves the way for future Artemis landings at the Moon's south pole, with NASA aiming to put boots back on the lunar surface by 2028.

Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson praised her team's precision during Thursday's countdown rehearsal. They completed two full runs through the final 10 minute sequence, stopping at just 29 seconds before liftoff with launch window time still remaining.

Why This Inspires

This mission represents more than just a trip around the Moon. It's proof that complex challenges can be solved with patience, teamwork, and determination. After encountering setbacks, NASA's engineers identified the problem, fixed it, and moved forward with confidence.

The crew will also make their own history. Victor Glover will become the first person of color to travel to the Moon, and Christina Koch will be the first woman. Their journey reminds us that space exploration belongs to everyone.

"The excitement for Artemis II is really, really starting to build," Glaze said. "We can really start to feel it. It's coming."

Engineers still need to review all the data from Thursday's test and complete remaining work before launch day. If everything checks out, the two hour launch window opens at 8:29 pm EST on March 6, with backup dates available through March 11.

After more than half a century, humanity is returning to the Moon.