space
March 20, 2026
Repaired Artemis II Moon Rocket Heads Back to Pad for April 1 Launch Try
Updated on: March 20, 2026 / 12:50 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Artemis II rocket has started its 4-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B.
- The launch is tentatively scheduled for April 1, with a launch window extending to April 6.
- Previous delays were caused by hydrogen fuel leaks and issues with a high-pressure helium system, requiring repairs in the Vehicle Assembly Building.
- The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a nine-day flight around the moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission since 1972.
- The crew has entered pre-flight medical quarantine.
- Successful completion of Artemis II is a precursor to future missions involving moon landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin.
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