NASA to Roll Out Artemis Moon Rocket Ahead of Historic Launch

The Space Launch System could carry its first astronaut crew into space as early as Feb. 6.

Artemis II Core Stage is lifted into High Bay 3 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 23, 2025. Frank Michaux/NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—For the first time in more than 50 years, NASA will roll out a human-certified moon rocket to the launchpad.

Speaking at the Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 16, NASA officials previewed the rocket’s launch as part of the Artemis II mission, as well as its debut at the Florida facility the following day.