'Spring 2026 launch': NASA begins assembling Moon rocket for Artemis 2 mission

NASA’s Moon Rocket Takes Shape

NASA is building the next rocket that will send astronauts to the Moon. The Space Launch System(SLS) for Artemis 2 is now being assembled at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Piece by Piece Inside the VAB

Work is happening inside NASA’s massive Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Engineers recently added a conical stage adapter, which connects the rocket’s core to its upper part.

Who Will Fly on Artemis 2?

Four astronauts will fly aboard the Orion spacecraft: Reid Wiseman (NASA) Victor Glover (NASA) Christina Koch (NASA) Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency) They’ll fly around the Moon and return to Earth.

What’s Special About Artemis 2?

This is NASA’s first crewed lunar mission since Apollo. The rocket will not enter Moon orbit, but will fly around it and return. This free return path ensures Orion safely comes back to Earth.

Artemis 1: The First Step

In 2022, Artemis 1 launched an uncrewed capsule around the Moon. It splashed down successfully after 25 days. The mission helped NASA test systems for the upcoming crewed flight.

When Will Artemis 2 Launch?

NASA is targeting a spring 2026 launch. The next step, Artemis 3, aims to land astronauts on the Moon no earlier than 2027. Delays were caused by heat shield issues found after Artemis 1 journey.

Moon to Mars: The Bigger Plan

NASA’s Artemis Program is about more than just the Moon. It’s preparing for future missions to Mars, using the Moon as a testing ground. The success of SLS and Orion is vital for the upcoming missions.