CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has kicked off a pivotal two-day countdown as part of preparations for its Artemis II mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. The countdown is a crucial step in determining the timeline for launching four astronauts on a lunar flyby.
The commander's team, which includes the first astronauts to venture towards the Moon in over 50 years, are currently in quarantine to ensure they avoid any potential health risks. They will monitor the countdown from Houston before traveling to Kennedy Space Center when the rocket is confirmed for launch.
The Artemis II mission involves the Space Launch System rocket, towering at 322 feet, which was recently moved to the launch pad. If the imminent fueling test scheduled on Monday proves successful, NASA could aim for a launch within the week. The rocket will be filled with over 700,000 gallons of super-cooled fuel, stopping just short of the ignition phase.
A recent cold snap temporarily delayed the countdown and subsequent launch plans, pushing the earliest possible launch date to February 8.
The astronauts aboard the Orion capsule atop the rocket will embark on a fast-paced journey around the moon, culminating in a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean after nearly 10 days. With the Apollo program having sent 24 astronauts to the moon, this new effort signifies a pivotal chapter in human space exploration.
