NASA successfully completed a critical test of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Thursday, paving the way for the Artemis 2 mission – the first crewed flight to lunar orbit in more than 50 years.
A technical issue earlier in February had paused the initial test run of the Artemis 2 mission.
Still, NASA announced Thursday that the process unfolded as planned, concluding with a countdown hold just 29 seconds before simulated liftoff.
The agency is now expected to finalize a launch date for the mission.
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NASA teams successfully fueled the Artemis II rocket during tonight’s prelaunch test for the lunar mission.
Our Artemis experts will answer questions about the important milestone and next steps during a briefing tomorrow at 11am ET (1600 UTC). https://t.co/fVjFOmK5dy pic.twitter.com/WoWwYGm99T
— NASA (@NASA) February 20, 2026
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The agency stated it will hold a press conference on Friday.
The rocket launch test is conducted under realistic conditions with fully fueled tanks and technical checks at Cape Canaveral, Florida, where engineers are practicing the maneuvers needed for an actual launch.
A setback during the February test, which involved a liquid hydrogen leak, dashed hopes for a launch this month, pushing the earliest possible launch date to March 6.
Artemis 2 will be the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in over 50 years, carrying three American astronauts and one Canadian.
