National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationLaunch SuccessfulHuman Exploration

Artemis II

Name: SLS Block 1 | Artemis II
Start: 2026-04-01T22:35:12Z
Location: Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

SLS Block 1

Launched Wed, Apr 1 · 10:35:12 PM UTC2026-04-01 22:35:12 UTCLaunch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

Reached orbit
Orion separated

Follow National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the app Watch the replay

Success

Reached Lunar flyby

The second stage released Orion at T+3:24:15.

Worldwide

73rd

orbital launch attempt in 2026

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

1st

launch this year

Launch Complex 39B

1st

launch from this pad this year

Pad turnaround

1232 d 15 h

since the pad's previous launch

Replay

Replay: NASA's Artemis II Crew Launches To The Moon (Official Broadcast)

The Flight Plan

Planned times, from liftoff at 10:35 PM UTC. The result is at the top of the page.

Countdown83

T−49:50:008:45 PMLaunch team arrives to stations
T−49:40:008:55 PMCountdown clock begins
T−49:40:008:55 PMGround systems preparations for vehicle loading
T−45:30:001:05 AMOrion spacecraft powered up
T−42:20:004:15 AMCore stage powered up
T−42:10:004:25 AMInterim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) powered up
T−39:45:006:50 AMFinal preparations of the four RS-25 engines
T−35:45:0010:50 AMInterim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) powered down
T−33:30:001:05 PMCharge Orion flight batteries to 100%
T−31:30:003:05 PMCharge core stage flight batteries
T−20:15:002:20 AMInterim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) powered up
T−15:00:007:35 AMAll non-essential personnel leave the launch pad
T−14:15:008:20 AMAir-to-gaseous nitrogen (GN2) changeover and rocket cavity inerting
T−13:15:009:20 AMGround launch sequencer (GLS) activation
T−12:35:0010:00 AMBuilt in countdown hold
T−10:50:0011:45 AMLaunch director verifies go for propellant load
T−10:50:0011:45 AMOrion cold soak
T−10:40:0011:55 AMCore stage LOX transfer line chilldown
T−10:40:0011:55 AMCore stage LH2 chilldown
T−10:25:0012:10 PMCore stage LOX main propulsion system chilldown
T−9:55:0012:40 PMCore stage LH2 slow fill start
T−9:50:0012:45 PMResume T-Clock
T−9:40:0012:55 PMCore stage LOX slow fill
T−9:30:001:05 PMCore stage LOX fast fill
T−9:25:001:10 PMCore stage LH2 fast fill
T−9:05:001:30 PMICPS LH2 chilldown
T−8:30:002:05 PMICPS LH2 fast fill start
T−8:00:002:35 PMCore stage LH2 topping
T−7:55:002:40 PMCore stage LH2 replenish
T−7:45:002:50 PMICPS LH2 vent and relief test
T−7:20:003:15 PMICPS LH2 tank topping start
T−7:05:003:30 PMICPS LH2 replenish
T−6:40:003:55 PMICPS LOX main propulsion system chilldown
T−6:40:003:55 PMOrion communications system activated (radio frequency to mission control)
T−6:40:003:55 PMCore stage LOX topping
T−6:30:004:05 PMICPS LOX fast fill
T−6:10:004:25 PMStage pad rescue
T−6:10:004:25 PMCloseout crew assemble
T−6:05:004:30 PMCore stage LOX replenish
T−6:00:004:35 PMCheck of the weather conditions for launch
T−5:45:004:50 PMICPS LOX vent and relief test
T−5:30:005:05 PMICPS LOX topping
T−5:10:005:25 PMCloseout crew to white room
T−5:10:005:25 PMBuilt in countdown hold
T−5:10:005:25 PMAll stages replenish
T−5:10:005:25 PMICPS LOX replenish
T−4:40:005:55 PMFlight crew deployment to pad
T−4:00:006:35 PMFlight crew board Orion
T−3:40:006:55 PMCrew module hatch preps and closure
T−3:10:007:25 PMCounterbalance mechanism hatch sealpress decay checks
T−2:20:008:15 PMCrew module hatch service panel install/closeouts
T−1:40:008:55 PMLaunch abort system (LAS) hatch closure for flight
T−1:10:009:25 PMLaunch director brief – rocket & thermal protection system scan results with the imagery console
T−50:009:45 PMCloseout crew departs the pad
T−50:009:45 PMFinal test director briefing is held
T−40:009:55 PMBuilt in countdown hold
T−25:0010:10 PMTransition team to Orion to Earth communication loop following final NTD briefing
T−17:0010:18 PMPolling ready ahead of terminal count
T−15:0010:20 PMFlight crew visors down
T−14:0010:21 PMFlight crew short purge verification
T−10:0010:25 PMStart of the terminal countdown towards launch
T−8:0010:27 PMRetraction of the crew access arm from the rocket
T−6:0010:29 PMFuel tanks are pressurized to flight levels
T−6:0010:29 PMOrion ascent pyros are armed
T−6:0010:29 PMOrion set to internal power
T−5:5710:29 PMCore stage LH2 terminate replenish
T−5:2010:29 PMLAS capability is available
T−4:4010:30 PMGLS go for LH2 high flow bleed check
T−4:3010:30 PMFlight termination system armed
T−4:0010:31 PMCore stage LOX terminate replenish
T−4:0010:31 PMCore stage auxiliary power unit (APU) start
T−3:3010:31 PMICPS LOX terminate replenish
T−3:1010:32 PMGLS go for purge sequence 4
T−2:0210:33 PMICPS switches to internal battery power
T−2:0010:33 PMBooster switches to internal batter power
T−1:3010:33 PMCore stage switches to internal power
T−1:2010:33 PMICPS enters terminal countdown mode
T−0:5010:34 PMICPS LH2 terminate replenish
T−0:3310:34 PMLaunch director verifies go for launch
T−0:3010:34 PMCore stage flight computer to automated launching sequencer
T−0:1210:35 PMHydrogen burn off igniters initiated
T−0:1010:35 PMCore stage engine start
T−0:0610:35 PMStart of the engine ignition sequence

Show the countdown (83 steps)

T−49:50:008:45 PMLaunch team arrives to stations
T−49:40:008:55 PMCountdown clock begins
T−49:40:008:55 PMGround systems preparations for vehicle loading
T−45:30:001:05 AMOrion spacecraft powered up
T−42:20:004:15 AMCore stage powered up
T−42:10:004:25 AMInterim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) powered up
T−39:45:006:50 AMFinal preparations of the four RS-25 engines
T−35:45:0010:50 AMInterim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) powered down
T−33:30:001:05 PMCharge Orion flight batteries to 100%
T−31:30:003:05 PMCharge core stage flight batteries
T−20:15:002:20 AMInterim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) powered up
T−15:00:007:35 AMAll non-essential personnel leave the launch pad
T−14:15:008:20 AMAir-to-gaseous nitrogen (GN2) changeover and rocket cavity inerting
T−13:15:009:20 AMGround launch sequencer (GLS) activation
T−12:35:0010:00 AMBuilt in countdown hold
T−10:50:0011:45 AMLaunch director verifies go for propellant load
T−10:50:0011:45 AMOrion cold soak
T−10:40:0011:55 AMCore stage LOX transfer line chilldown
T−10:40:0011:55 AMCore stage LH2 chilldown
T−10:25:0012:10 PMCore stage LOX main propulsion system chilldown
T−9:55:0012:40 PMCore stage LH2 slow fill start
T−9:50:0012:45 PMResume T-Clock
T−9:40:0012:55 PMCore stage LOX slow fill
T−9:30:001:05 PMCore stage LOX fast fill
T−9:25:001:10 PMCore stage LH2 fast fill
T−9:05:001:30 PMICPS LH2 chilldown
T−8:30:002:05 PMICPS LH2 fast fill start
T−8:00:002:35 PMCore stage LH2 topping
T−7:55:002:40 PMCore stage LH2 replenish
T−7:45:002:50 PMICPS LH2 vent and relief test
T−7:20:003:15 PMICPS LH2 tank topping start
T−7:05:003:30 PMICPS LH2 replenish
T−6:40:003:55 PMICPS LOX main propulsion system chilldown
T−6:40:003:55 PMOrion communications system activated (radio frequency to mission control)
T−6:40:003:55 PMCore stage LOX topping
T−6:30:004:05 PMICPS LOX fast fill
T−6:10:004:25 PMStage pad rescue
T−6:10:004:25 PMCloseout crew assemble
T−6:05:004:30 PMCore stage LOX replenish
T−6:00:004:35 PMCheck of the weather conditions for launch
T−5:45:004:50 PMICPS LOX vent and relief test
T−5:30:005:05 PMICPS LOX topping
T−5:10:005:25 PMCloseout crew to white room
T−5:10:005:25 PMBuilt in countdown hold
T−5:10:005:25 PMAll stages replenish
T−5:10:005:25 PMICPS LOX replenish
T−4:40:005:55 PMFlight crew deployment to pad
T−4:00:006:35 PMFlight crew board Orion
T−3:40:006:55 PMCrew module hatch preps and closure
T−3:10:007:25 PMCounterbalance mechanism hatch sealpress decay checks
T−2:20:008:15 PMCrew module hatch service panel install/closeouts
T−1:40:008:55 PMLaunch abort system (LAS) hatch closure for flight
T−1:10:009:25 PMLaunch director brief – rocket & thermal protection system scan results with the imagery console
T−50:009:45 PMCloseout crew departs the pad
T−50:009:45 PMFinal test director briefing is held
T−40:009:55 PMBuilt in countdown hold
T−25:0010:10 PMTransition team to Orion to Earth communication loop following final NTD briefing
T−17:0010:18 PMPolling ready ahead of terminal count
T−15:0010:20 PMFlight crew visors down
T−14:0010:21 PMFlight crew short purge verification
T−10:0010:25 PMStart of the terminal countdown towards launch
T−8:0010:27 PMRetraction of the crew access arm from the rocket
T−6:0010:29 PMFuel tanks are pressurized to flight levels
T−6:0010:29 PMOrion ascent pyros are armed
T−6:0010:29 PMOrion set to internal power
T−5:5710:29 PMCore stage LH2 terminate replenish
T−5:2010:29 PMLAS capability is available
T−4:4010:30 PMGLS go for LH2 high flow bleed check
T−4:3010:30 PMFlight termination system armed
T−4:0010:31 PMCore stage LOX terminate replenish
T−4:0010:31 PMCore stage auxiliary power unit (APU) start
T−3:3010:31 PMICPS LOX terminate replenish
T−3:1010:32 PMGLS go for purge sequence 4
T−2:0210:33 PMICPS switches to internal battery power
T−2:0010:33 PMBooster switches to internal batter power
T−1:3010:33 PMCore stage switches to internal power
T−1:2010:33 PMICPS enters terminal countdown mode
T−0:5010:34 PMICPS LH2 terminate replenish
T−0:3310:34 PMLaunch director verifies go for launch
T−0:3010:34 PMCore stage flight computer to automated launching sequencer
T−0:1210:35 PMHydrogen burn off igniters initiated
T−0:1010:35 PMCore stage engine start
T−0:0610:35 PMStart of the engine ignition sequence

Ascent47

T+0:0010:35 PMIgnition of the solid rocket boosters.
T+0:0010:35 PMFirst upwards movement of the rocket
T+0:0910:35 PMThe launch vehicle clears the launch tower and initiates a roll/pitch maneuver
T+0:5610:36 PMVehicle is supersonic
T+1:1010:36 PMMaximum dynamic pressure
T+2:0810:37 PMThe solid rocket boosters are separated from the launcher.
T+3:1810:38 PMThe launch escape system is no longer needed and is jettisoned.
T+8:0610:43 PMCut-off of the main engine
T+8:1810:43 PMSeparation of the second stage from the first
T+8:2810:43 PMICPS RL10 nozzle extension
T+20:0010:55 PMOrion solar arrays deploy
T+49:0011:24 PMPerigee raise burn
T+1:47:5712:23 AMApogee raise burn
T+3:24:151:59 AMOrion separates from ICPS
T+4:35:003:10 AMProximity operations conclude
T+4:52:003:27 AMOrion upper stage separation burn
T+5:00:003:35 AMDisposal burn of ICPS into the Pacific Ocean
T+5:04:003:39 AMCubeSats deploy
T+13:44:0012:19 PMPerigee raise burn
T+25:37:0012:12 AMTranslunar injection burn
T+47:25:0010:00 PMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+48:07:0010:42 PMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+50:05:0012:40 AMCrew CPR demonstration
T+53:25:004:00 AMCommunications test through Deep Space Network
T+72:12:0010:47 PMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+75:40:002:15 AMReview lunar flyby imaging plan
T+77:45:004:20 AMReview lunar flyby imaging plan
T+92:30:007:05 PMRapid spacesuits donning and pressurization demonstration
T+101:23:003:58 AMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+102:59:005:34 AMOrion enters lunar sphere of influence
T+118:00:008:35 PMLunar flyby and observation begins
T+121:23:0011:58 PMClosest approach to the Moon
T+121:26:0012:01 AMCrew reaches maximum distance from Earth for this mission
T+139:47:006:22 PMOrion exits lunar sphere of influence
T+141:10:007:45 PMLunar flyby science debrief
T+148:23:002:58 AMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+169:50:0012:25 AMRadiation shielding demonstration
T+172:20:002:55 AMManual piloting demonstration
T+191:15:009:50 PMOrthostatic intolerance garment assessment
T+194:10:0012:45 AMOrthostatic intolerance garment assessment
T+196:33:003:08 AMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+212:33:007:08 PMOrbital trajectory correction burn
T+217:13:0011:48 PMOrion crew and service module separation
T+217:16:0011:51 PMOrion raise burn
T+217:46:0012:21 AMOrion splashdown
T+217:53:0012:28 AMOrion crew module reaction control system safing
T+218:01:0012:36 AMOrion Final power down

Booster Return2

T+214:30:009:05 PMCrew begins working through entry checklist, including donning entry suits
T+217:33:0012:08 AMStart of the atmospheric re-entry

Mission

Artemis II is the first crewed mission as part of the Artemis program. Artemis II will send a crew of 4 - 3 Americans and 1 Canadian around the moon and return them back to Earth.

The mission will test the core systems of NASA's Orion spacecraft including the critical life support system, among other systems which could not be tested during Artemis I due to the lack of crew onboard.

Launch Provider

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Government · United States of America · Founded 1958 · Administrator Jared Isaacman

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launches

142

Successful

122

86%

Upcoming

scheduled

FliesSpace Shuttle SLS Orion

All National Aeronautics and Space Administration launches Website Wikipedia

Crew

All astronauts

Updates

Apr 2 · 2:01 AM
Launch success with Orion separation.
Cosmic_Penguin
Apr 1 · 10:49 PM
Liftoff.
Cosmic_Penguin
Apr 1 · 10:25 PM
New T-0.
Cosmic_Penguin
Apr 1 · 10:15 PM
Extending hold at T-10 minutes.
Cosmic_Penguin
Apr 1 · 9:33 PM
Updated launch weather.
Cosmic_Penguin

Show earlier updates

Apr 1 · 4:58 PM
Official Webcast by NASA has started
Launch Library 2
Apr 1 · 3:05 PM
Updated launch weather.
Cosmic_Penguin
Mar 30 · 8:46 PM
T-0 is accurate to the second.
Cosmic_Penguin
Mar 29 · 3:08 PM
Updated launch weather, 80% GO.
Cosmic_Penguin
Mar 12 · 7:06 PM
Targeting April 1st.
Cosmic_Penguin
Feb 21 · 5:35 PM
Delayed to NET April due to upper stage helium leak issue.
Cosmic_Penguin
Feb 16 · 9:52 PM
Reverted back to NET March 6 EST, to be confirmed.
Cosmic_Penguin
Feb 6 · 7:13 PM
Moved back up to NET March 3, to be confirmed (see also https://x.com/nasaspaceflight/status/2019805496836767830.)
Cosmic_Penguin
Feb 3 · 7:03 AM
Delayed to NET March, to be confirmed pending additional tests.
Cosmic_Penguin
Jan 30 · 1:14 PM
Delayed to NET February 8 EST, to be confirmed.
Cosmic_Penguin
Jan 10 · 12:21 AM
Refined launch window.
Cosmic_Penguin
Jan 2 · 10:07 PM
Updated approximate launch time.
Cosmic_Penguin
Sep 23 · 11:28 PM
Added launch window.
Cosmic_Penguin
Sep 23 · 2:39 PM
NET February 5.
Cosmic_Penguin
Jul 31 · 11:05 PM
Moved up to NET February.
Cosmic_Penguin
Dec 5 · 6:18 PM
NET April 2026.
Cosmic_Penguin
Jan 9 · 6:53 PM
NET September 2025.
Cosmic_Penguin
Mar 7 · 5:29 PM
NET November 2024
Nosu

Space Launch System Block 1

Vehicle history

Height

98m

Diameter

8.4m

To low Earth orbit

95,000kg

Liftoff thrust

39,000kN

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National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationLaunch SuccessfulHuman Exploration

Artemis II

SLS Block 1

Launched Wed, Apr 1 · 10:35:12 PM UTC2026-04-01 22:35:12 UTCLaunch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

Reached orbit
Orion separated

Follow National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the app Watch the replay

Success

Reached Lunar flyby

The second stage released Orion at T+3:24:15.

Worldwide

73rd

orbital launch attempt in 2026

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

1st

launch this year

Launch Complex 39B

1st

launch from this pad this year

Pad turnaround

1232 d 15 h

since the pad's previous launch

Replay

Replay: NASA's Artemis II Crew Launches To The Moon (Official Broadcast)