Science & Technology — 2026-03-18
NASA Artemis II Rollout Possible March 19; Launch Window Opens April 1
NASA ground teams recovered from delays; Artemis II SLS may roll to Pad 39B March 19, with go/no-go decision March 18. Launch window opens April 1 with backups through April 30. The 10-day mission sends four astronauts on a free-return lunar trajectory -- first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17.
Analysis
Prior digest reported rollout set for March 20 after resolving liquid hydrogen leak and helium flow issues. The timeline accelerated by one day. Flight readiness review passed unanimously. Crew entered quarantine in late February. This remains on track for the first human lunar mission in 54 years.
Prior digest reported rollout set for March 20 after resolving liquid hydrogen leak and helium flow issues. The timeline accelerated by one day. Flight readiness review passed unanimously. Crew entered quarantine in late February. This remains on track for the first human lunar mission in 54 years.