NASA Completes Successful Artemis II Rocket Practice Launch

NASA announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, that it successfully completed a full practice launch of its massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This rocket will carry astronauts around the Moon, marking the first mission of this type in over 50 years and continuing humanity’s return to lunar exploration.

Earlier in February, NASA attempted a similar rehearsal, called a wet dress rehearsal, but it had to be stopped due to technical problems with the rocket’s fueling system. The latest rehearsal allowed engineers to test the entire launch process, including filling the rocket with fuel, checking all spacecraft systems, and making sure everything is ready for the actual mission.

The Artemis II mission, which follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission, is a major milestone for NASA. Four astronauts will orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth, providing crucial experience for future missions that aim to land humans on the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

NASA officials said the rehearsal helped the team identify and fix any last-minute issues, ensuring that the rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and all safety systems are functioning properly. This careful preparation reflects the agency’s focus on safety and precision, as the Artemis program is part of a long-term plan to explore deep space.

The Artemis II mission is also important for testing new technologies, crew procedures, and communication systems in a real mission scenario. By sending humans around the Moon, NASA hopes to gather data and experience that will be critical for more ambitious missions in the coming years.

With the successful wet dress rehearsal complete, NASA is now preparing for the final launch countdown, bringing the Artemis II mission one step closer to making history in human space exploration.