NASA runs a full launch practice before the real liftoff
NASA is getting ready for a major rehearsal ahead of its next moon mission. On Monday, the agency will carry out a key test to confirm whether its giant Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is ready for flight.
This test is called a wet dress rehearsal, and it works like a full launch day practice. NASA will load the rocket with fuel and follow the same steps it would use on launch day, stopping about 30 seconds before liftoff.
Why the wet dress rehearsal matters
The wet dress rehearsal helps NASA check if the rocket systems perform correctly under real conditions. Engineers will review the results to confirm the booster’s readiness and spot any problems before launch.
NASA officials say the mission schedule depends heavily on how this test goes.
Artemis II mission aims to send astronauts around the moon
The upcoming Artemis II mission is planned to launch no earlier than Sunday. It will carry four astronauts on a 10 day journey around the moon.
NASA says this flight path will take the crew farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled before.
Launch date depends on rehearsal results
NASA will take time after the rehearsal to study the data and decide whether it can move forward with launch plans.
Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell Thompson explained that NASA will review the test results first, then set the final launch attempt timeline. If everything works smoothly, NASA could announce an official liftoff target soon. If problems appear, the mission could be delayed
