Artemis II live updates: Rocket launch time, weather forecast, what to know
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Artemis II is scheduled to launch from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, sending four astronauts on a 10-day mission into deep space, around the moon, and back to Earth.
The Artemis II crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, 50; Pilot Victor Glover, 49; Mission Specialist Christina Koch, 47; and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, 50, of the Canadian Space Agency. The 2-hour launch window opens at 6:24 p.m.
Follow along for live mission updates on Artemis II, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and the crew. Watch live-streaming coverage in the video player above.
What is launch day like for the astronauts?
A launch is an exciting time, especially for the astronauts.
FOX 35 talks with Winston Scott, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, about what launch day is like for the astronauts.
Watch the segment below:
Artemis II crew prepare for historic launch
Artemis II prepares for liftoff from Florida. The mission will take four astronauts on a trip around the moon and back. Good Day Orlando talks with retired Navy captain and former NASA astronaut Winston Scott about what launch day is like for astronauts.
Artemis II crew begins their launch day
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen officially began their launch day with a scheduled wake-up call at 9:25 a.m.
NASA begins slow fill for Artemis II
The launch team has begun the slow fill phase of the tanking process. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are being loaded into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket core stage.
"This phase introduces the super-cold propellants at a controlled rate, allowing the rocket's plumbing and tanks to gradually adjust to cryogenic temperatures," NASA said.
Once the slow fill is completed, the team will begin the fast-fill phase.
The rocket's tanks can hold over 750,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen.
"Go" for tanking
NASA teams are getting ready to start loading the Space Launch System rocket's propellants.
Artemis II launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson gave the official "go" for tanking at 7:33 a.m.
"This essential step kicks off with the chilldown of the core stage liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen transfer lines, preparing the rocket for its historic mission," NASA said.
Weather good for launch
Good weather? Check.
The forecast is looking good for the Artemis II launch.
The FOX 35 Storm Team says there will be a few showers possible this afternoon, but the rain should clear out before launch time.
Here's a breakdown of Wednesday's weather forecast for Central Florida.
How to watch the launch
The two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. ET, but FOX 35 will have all-day coverage of the historic launch.
You can watch along in the video player above. NASA will also live stream the launch. The space agency's coverage is scheduled to begin at 12:50 p.m. ET. Watch the live coverage below:
Check out our watch guide, which tells you how you see the launch live.
NASA Administrator: 'The next era of exploration begins'
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman shared some thoughts the night before Artemis II's first launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Artemis II visibility map
People across Florida and southern Georgia will have a chance to see Artemis II fly through the night sky into space. The map shows who will be within range to potentially see Artemis. The +10 number means those within that ring will be able to see the rocket 10 seconds after it launches.
Once the rocket hits 40,000 feet, it will not be visible at all.
Artemis II "roar": Will you hear it?
It's not a sonic boom, but those who live near Kennedy Space Center and the Space Coast may be able to hear the "roar" of the SLS rocket launching Artemis II into space.
Artemis II weather forecast
We are watching the likelihood of showers in the early-mid afternoon to impact Launch Pad 39B. The good news is these showers should move out before 5 p.m.
That said, there are cloud restraints from NASA. Any clouds must be:
- 3+ miles from t-storm remnants
- 5+ miles from clouds at least 4,500+ feet thick
- 10+ miles from any cumulus clouds
- no smoke plumes in the nearby area
5.6M names headed to the moon with ‘Rise’
"Rise" was designed by a second-grade California boy and will serve as the zero gravity indicator aboard Artemis II.
It will also hold a small memory card with more than 5.6 million names of people who wanted their name to be part of the Artemis II moon mission. NASA collected several names before launch.
The Source: This live blog is managed by the digital teams at FOX 35 News in Orlando, Florida. It features live updates on Artemis II from NASA and Artemis II teams, FOX 35 photographers and reporters at Kennedy Space Center, Jetty Park, and other areas along the Space Coast. It will also feature news and updates from NASA leaders and verified social media accounts.