Lights illuminate NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 01/17/2026. In the coming days, engineers will prepare for the wet dress rehearsal, a two-day test that simulates launch day. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.
Lights illuminate NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2026.
NASA/Brandon Hancock

NASA’s Artemis II closeout crew has completed its critical tasks and departed NASA Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39B during the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal.  

The departure of the closeout crew marks the transition to the final countdown phase, ensuring the launch pad is clear and safe for simulated liftoff procedures. Although the Artemis II astronauts did not participate in today’s rehearsal, the closeout crew’s work validates launch day protocols and confirms Orion and the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket are configured for flight readiness. 

With the pad secured, teams will continue monitoring fueling operations and prepare for wet dress rehearsal terminal count, the final ten minutes of the countdown. The team will be conducting a single terminal countdown for this test.

A 24/7 live stream of the rocket at the pad remains online, as well as a separate feed to capture wet dress activities.

Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal: Closeout Crew Departs Launch Complex 39B