Artemis II SLS Launch Date 2026: NASA Prepares for Milestone Rollout
NASA readies the SLS for the Artemis II mission with a potential launch date in February 2026, while MaiaSpace secures a massive satellite launch deal.
The moon is getting closer, but the final steps are the most precarious. NASA is set to roll out the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Florida launch site this weekend, marking a critical phase for the Artemis II mission.
Artemis II SLS Launch Date 2026 and Rehearsal Goals
While an official date hasn't been set, the rocket currently has a no-earlier-than launch date of February 8, 2026. The upcoming movement to the pad is for a "wet dress rehearsal," where engineers will practice fueling the rocket. Success in this rehearsal is mandatory before the final countdown begins for the mission that will carry humans around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
MaiaSpace Secures Major Contract for OneWeb Launch
Beyond government-led exploration, the commercial space sector is heating up. MaiaSpace, an ArianeGroup subsidiary, just inked a massive launch deal with satellite operator Eutelsat. According to Le Monde, a significant portion of the 440 satellites ordered from Airbus will be deployed by the new Maia rocket, solidifying Europe's independent access to space.
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