NASA is wrapping up preparations for the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center, after delays caused by a rare arctic outbreak and high winds in Florida. These adjustments mean that the first potential launch opportunity is now scheduled for no earlier than Sunday, February 8.
Technical teams are keeping a close eye as the cold front moves through the region. With launch pad preparations now complete, NASA is carefully managing the best timeline to ensure the rehearsal aligns with improving weather conditions for ultimate success.
NASA will revise the launch date after the wet dress rehearsal. Due to the updated timeline, February 6 and February 7 are no longer viable alternatives. The wet dress rehearsal simulated countdown is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM EST on February 2, following a pre-test weather conditions assessment.
In light of the current cold weather, engineers have powered the Orion and calibrated the heating elements for lower temperatures. The systems provide stable environmental conditions for the spacecraft and rocket, with the booster skirts specially configured for the cold.
Nevertheless, freezing temperatures and strong winds over the weekend were too sensitive for sensitive ground equipment. Shifting the test ensures optimal conditions for the first manned SLS refueling.
