Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal LIVE: The Test That Sets the Moon Launch Date
February 2, 2026
NASA conducts the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal LIVE tonight, fueling the Moon rocket in a make-or-break test before launch.
Happening Tonight: A Make-or-Break Moment for Human Spaceflight
Tonight, NASA carries out the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal, the final and most critical pre-launch test before humans return beyond Earth orbit for the first time in 54 years. The rehearsal begins February 2 at 9:00 PM EST, with live coverage as teams fuel the Space Launch System and run a full launch-day countdown.
This single test will determine whether Artemis II can proceed toward an early-February launch window—or face further delays.
What Is the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal?
A wet dress rehearsal is the final full-scale launch simulation, using real propellants and real timelines.
Tonight’s test includes:
- Cryogenic Fueling: Loading roughly 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the SLS rocket.
- Full Countdown: NASA teams execute every launch-day step exactly as they would on liftoff day.
- T-29 Seconds Hold: The countdown pauses just before engine ignition—the highest-stress moment for systems and teams.
- No Crew Onboard: The four astronauts remain on the ground while all hardware is stressed to flight conditions.
This is the last opportunity to uncover fueling, valve, sensor, or timing issues before astronauts are cleared to fly.
Why Tonight’s Test Matters So Much
The stakes could not be higher.
- Success Tonight: Artemis II can move toward a launch as early as February 8–11, 2026.
- Problems Tonight: Launch could slip by weeks or months.
“The wet dress rehearsal is the gatekeeper test. Everything else depends on it.” — Human Spaceflight Engineering Analyst
History reinforces the tension: Artemis I required multiple wet dress rehearsals due to hydrogen leaks and temperature issues. Tonight’s outcome determines whether those lessons have fully paid off.
The Human Factor Behind the Hardware
Four astronauts are waiting on tonight’s result:
- Christina Koch (NASA)
- Victor Glover (NASA)
- Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency)
- Reid Wiseman (NASA)
Their mission aboard the Orion spacecraft will send humans farther from Earth than any mission since Apollo, looping around the Moon and returning home.
Every valve check tonight directly affects their safety.
Live Streaming and Global Attention
NASA is streaming the entire wet dress rehearsal live, with global media and millions of viewers watching in real time. The combination of:
- Live cryogenic fueling
- Weather uncertainty
- Countdown drama
- Launch-date consequences
has made this one of the most watched pre-launch events in modern spaceflight.
Future Research and Next Steps
After tonight’s rehearsal, NASA will:
- Review fueling and countdown data
- Assess weather and hardware readiness
- Confirm or adjust the Artemis II launch window
- Transition toward final launch preparations if cleared
Tonight is the final technical gate before humanity’s return to deep space.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a full launch-day simulation where NASA fuels the SLS rocket and runs the complete countdown without liftoff.
Tonight, February 2, starting at 9:00 PM EST, with live NASA coverage.
Its success or failure determines whether Artemis II can launch in early February or face delays.
No. The crew will only fly after the rehearsal is successfully completed.