Artemis II launch LIVE: Astronauts complete final safety procedures
Following boarding, astronauts conducted communication checks to ensure seamless connectivity with mission control.
Suit leak checks were also performed to verify pressure suit integrity, a crucial safeguard in case of cabin depressurization.
These procedures mark one of the final phases before hatch closure and launch readiness.
With all systems being verified, Artemis II moves closer to liftoff, setting the stage for a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Hatch closure process to begin
The closeout crew will soon begin sealing the crew module and launch abort system hatches.
This meticulous process can take up to four hours, as even minor obstructions-such as a strand of hair-could compromise the airtight seal required for safe flight.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Closeout crew assists final entry
The Artemis II closeout team is actively assisting astronauts as they:
-Enter the Orion spacecraft
-Don helmets and gloves
-Secure themselves in their seats
These steps ensure all systems and safety protocols are in place ahead of launch.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Astronauts begin boarding Orion
NASA's Artemis II crew has begun boarding the Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B, marking a critical milestone in the countdown to liftoff.
Once inside, the astronauts will initiate communication checks to confirm voice links with mission control and onboard systems.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Closeout crew plays critical role
The closeout crew is guiding astronauts through each step, verifying that:
-All suit connections are secure
-Communication links are operational
-Safety systems meet strict launch criteria
Their work is crucial before hatch closure and final clearance for liftoff.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Artemis II nears liftoff
With the crew now at the launch pad and final boarding steps underway, Artemis II moves into its final phase before liftoff.
The mission marks a major step in NASA's efforts to advance human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and back to deep space.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Final suit preparations underway
NASA's Artemis II crew is completing one of the last critical steps before boarding-donning helmets and gloves with assistance from the closeout team.
This marks the final phase of suit-up operations before entering the Orion spacecraft.
With helmet and glove checks complete, the astronauts move closer to boarding the Orion spacecraft.
This stage ensures no technical or safety issues remain before entering the vehicle.
Artemis II launch LIVE: White room - Last stop before spaceflight
Inside the White Room, astronauts will complete final preparations in a clean, controlled environment.
This ensures all systems are secure and operational before the crew enters the spacecraft.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Final steps before boarding Orion
The crew is set to take the elevator up the fixed service structure and proceed along the climate-controlled crew access arm to the White Room.
This area serves as the final staging point before boarding the Orion spacecraft, where:
-Closeout crews assist with hatch operations
-Final safety checks are conducted
-Systems are verified for launch readiness
Artemis II launch LIVE: Launch window set for liftoff at 6:24 p.m. EDT
The opening of the launch window is scheduled for 6:24 p.m. EDT (3:54 am IST), just hours away, marking a critical milestone in the countdown to launch.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Astronauts arrive at Launch Pad 39B ahead of historic liftoff
NASA's Artemis II astronauts-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen-have arrived at Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, topped with the Orion spacecraft, stands ready as the countdown continues toward liftoff.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Final goodbyes before liftoff
After receiving farewells from family and friends, the crew has begun the 20-minute journey to Launch Pad 39B.
With all preparations aligning, Artemis II moves closer to liftoff and a historic step forward in human space exploration.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Pre-launch tradition - A game of cards
Before departure, the crew upheld a long-standing NASA ritual-playing a card game.
The tradition dictates that the commander must lose to "burn off" bad luck. This time, commander Reid Wiseman took on that role, symbolically clearing the mission for good fortune.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Astronauts begin iconic walk to launch pad
NASA's Artemis II crew has begun the traditional walkout from the Astronaut Crew Quarters inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Continuing a tradition dating back to Apollo 7, the astronauts made their way toward the elevator and out to begin the journey to the launch pad.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Closer to liftoff
With rescue and closeout crews in position, Artemis II continues its steady progression toward launch.
The mission is set to mark a major milestone, sending astronauts around the Moon as part of NASA's next phase of deep space exploration.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Closeout crew secures the spacecraft
The closeout crew plays a critical role in preparing the spacecraft for launch.
Their responsibilities include:
-Closing Orion crew module and launch abort system hatches
-Securing all access points
-Verifying launch pad configurations
This ensures the spacecraft is fully sealed and ready before final clearance for liftoff.
During propellant loading and system checks, the closeout team ensures the integrity of the launch area is maintained, minimizing risks as fueling operations continue.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Pad rescue team on standby
The pad rescue team is positioned for immediate response in case of an emergency.
Equipped with advanced gear, the team is trained to handle:
-Rapid crew extraction
-Fire suppression
-Hazard mitigation
Their presence ensures swift evacuation procedures and reinforces astronaut safety during high-risk operations.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Safety teams deployed at Launch Complex 39B
NASA has deployed its pad rescue and closeout crews to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center, marking a key step in the Artemis II countdown.
These specialized teams are responsible for ensuring safety and operational readiness during the crucial fueling phase.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Advanced Orion survival suits deployed
Technicians are assisting the astronauts into the Orion Crew Survival System suits, specially designed for safety, mobility, and comfort during critical phases of flight.
The bright orange suits are custom-fitted for each crew member, marking a shift from the standard sizing used during the space shuttle era.
Artemis II launch LIVE: NASA astronauts begin suit-up inside ahead of launch
NASA astronauts are suiting up inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building as part of final preparations for the Artemis II launch.
The crew includes:
-Reid Wiseman (Commander)
-Victor Glover (Pilot)
-Christina Koch (Mission Specialist)
-Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, CSA)
Artemis II launch LIVE: Crew arrival at launch pad next
Once the built-in hold that also provides a buffer to address any minor technical issues concludes, preparations will begin for astronaut arrival at Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
With fueling stabilized and systems under review, Artemis II continues to move steadily toward liftoff and its historic journey around the Moon.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Countdown enters built-in hold
The milestone comes as the Artemis II countdown enters a planned 1-hour 10-minute hold.
This pause is designed to give mission teams time to complete final system checks and confirm readiness before proceeding further in the launch sequence.
The built-in hold also provides a buffer to address any minor technical issues without affecting the overall launch timeline, ensuring mission safety remains the top priority.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Engineers review critical systems
During the hold, engineers are closely monitoring:
-Cryogenic loading data
-Propulsion system performance
-Communication systems
All parameters must meet strict safety and performance benchmarks before the countdown resumes.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Replenish mode activated, countdown advances
NASA has transitioned all cryogenic stages of the Space Launch System into replenish mode during the Artemis II launch countdown.
This includes both the core stage and upper stage, ensuring that liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen levels remain at optimal, flight-ready conditions.
Replenish mode is critical to maintaining stable propellant levels as super-cooled fuels naturally boil off over time.
Continuous topping ensures consistent pressure and volume, supporting engine performance during liftoff and ascent.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Live coverage and updates
NASA continues live coverage of tanking operations on YouTube, with full launch coverage beginning at 1 p.m. EDT on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Mission on track for historic moon flight
With the weather briefing complete and fueling progressing, both crew and ground teams remain aligned as Artemis II moves closer to liftoff.
The mission is set to mark a major milestone, sending astronauts around the Moon for the first time in the Artemis program.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Fueling operations underway
NASA teams have begun liquid oxygen (LOX) topping for the upper stage of the Space Launch System.
This step follows the fast-fill phase and ensures the tank reaches full capacity with super-cooled oxidizer, a critical requirement for launch readiness.
Artemis II launch LIVE: 80% favorable launch weather
Weather teams from NASA and the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45 are currently tracking 80% favorable conditions during the launch window.
Primary concerns remain:
Cumulus cloud rule
Flight through precipitation rule
Ground wind limits
Artemis II launch LIVE: Weather green light keeps Artemis II Moon mission on course
NASA has completed a crucial prelaunch milestone for Artemis II, delivering the final weather briefing to astronauts at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The session took place inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, where crew members reviewed real-time conditions ahead of liftoff.
The briefing covered weather at Launch Pad 39B, surrounding recovery zones, and potential abort sites along the Artemis II trajectory.
Artemis II launch LIVE: What's happening now? NASA shares update on weather, astronaut activities
NASA said:
- NASA's Artemis II astronauts received a final weather briefing inside the Astronaut Crew Quarters of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as part of prelaunch preparations.
- NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; and Christina Koch, mission specialist; along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist, were briefed on wind speeds, precipitation, lightning risk, and sea states for splashdown contingencies, ensuring all safety criteria are met before proceeding with launch operations.
- Weather officials with NASA and the U.S. Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45 are tracking 80% favorable conditions during the launch window, with primary concerns being the cumulus cloud rule, flight through precipitation rule, and ground winds.
- With the weather briefing complete, the crew and ground teams remain aligned and ready to continue toward liftoff, keeping Artemis II on track for its historic mission to send astronauts around the Moon.
- NASA teams also have begun liquid oxygen (LOX) topping process for the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or SLS (Space Launch System) rocket upper stage, during the Artemis II launch countdown. This step follows the fast fill phase and ensures the liquid oxygen tank reaches full capacity with super-cold oxidizer.
Artemis II launch LIVE: 9 hours to go for Artemis mission launch
Around nine hour are left for the launch of the Artemis II mission. The launch is expected to take place around 6:24 pm EDT (3:54 am IST).
Artemis II launch LIVE: This Artemis II astronaut is first Canadian ever to fly around the Moon
Meet Jeremy Hansen - One of the astronaut of the Artemis II mission who is set to become the first Canadian ever to fly around the Moon
Artemis II launch LIVE: Who, what, where and when of NASA's moon mission
Who: Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen
What: Artemis II test flight launch
Where: Launch Complex 39B at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida
When: No earlier than 6:24 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Artemis II launch LIVE: Why will four astronauts wear 'orange' spacesuits?
NASA explained that the outer cover layer is orange to make crew members easy to recognize in the ocean should they ever need to exit Orion without the assistance of recovery personnel.
Artemis II launch LIVE: SLS core stage's liquid hydrogen tank is fully filled!
The SLS core stage's liquid hydrogen tank is fully filled! We will continue to top off the tank throughout the rest of the countdown as the liquid hydrogen naturally boils off.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Astronaut Jeremy Hansen says, 'One last message before the launch of Artemis II'
Artemis II launch LIVE: Is Artemis II going to land on the Moon?
No, the Artemis II crew will make a closest approach to the far side of the Moon, but won't land on the lunar surface. It's with Artemis IV mission that NASA wants to land humans on the Moon.
Artemis II launch LIVE: NASA Teams continue to fill core stage of rocket with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen
NASA Teams continue to fill the core stage of the Artemis II rocket with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Fueling the upper stage of the rocket has started, as well. This is what will help Orion adjust its orbit shortly after liftoff.
Artemis II launch LIVE: What is Artemis II mission?
The Artemis II test flight will be NASA's first mission with crew under the Artemis program. The Artemis II crew will travel approximately 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the Moon, evaluating their spacecraft's performance, practicing emergency procedures, and testing the radiation shelter.
Artemis II launch LIVE: Track NASA's Artemis II mission in real time
NASA has invited the public to follow the Artemis II mission. People around the world can now pinpoint Orion during its journey using the Artemis Real-time Orbit Website (AROW).
Artemis II launch LIVE: Some key figures
Artemis II launch LIVE: Four Artemis astronauts began 'their launch day with a scheduled wake-up call'
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen have officially begun their launch day with a scheduled wake-up call at 9:25 a.m., marking the start of their final preparations for the historic Artemis II mission around the Moon.
Artemis II launch LIVE: What are the mission priorities?
Crew: Demonstrate the ability of systems and teams to sustain the flight crew in the flight environment, and through their return to Earth.
Systems: Demonstrate systems and operations essential to a crewed lunar campaign. This ranges from ground systems to hardware in space, and operations spanning from development to launch, flight, and recovery.
Hardware and Data: Retrieve flight hardware and data, assessing performance for future missions.
Emergency Operations: Demonstrate emergency system capabilities and validate associated operations to the extent practical, such as abort operations and rescue procedures, as needed.
Data and Subsystems: Complete additional objectives to verify subsystems and validate data.
Artemis II launch LIVE: King Charles III writes to Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen - full message
King Charles III writes to Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen:
"It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission - the first crewed voyage beyond low Earth orbit since the dawn of the Space Age.
"I know that Canada's participation in this bold mission reflects decades of dedicated leadership and sustained investment in space innovation, as well as the strength of international partnerships that make such endeavours possible. Therefore, as the first Canadian to venture to the Moon, you carry not only the hopes of your fellow Canadians and the Commonwealth, but also the aspirations of humanity itself. In this historic moment, you stand as a bridge between nations and generations, and I commend you for the courage, discipline and vision that have brought you to this threshold.
"In 2023, when I launched the Astra Carta at Buckingham Palace, I did so in the firm belief that our stewardship of the planet must now extend to the infinite wonders of the universe. Just as the Terra Carta calls upon us to place Nature, people and planet at the heart of earthly endeavour, the Astra Carta urges us to navigate the celestial realms with wisdom, foresight and responsibility. Its fundamental principles are not mere aspirations; they are a solemn pledge to future generations. They remind us that the cosmos is not a frontier to be conquered, but a shared inheritance to be cherished and preserved.
"As you orbit the Moon, you will carry these principles with you in the most literal and profound sense. You will, most certainly, reflect upon the fragile beauty of Earth as it rises above the lunar horizon, just as your predecessors did half a century ago. May that sight renew in you, and in all who follow your journey, the conviction that we must learn from the lessons of how we have over-exploited and polluted our own planet, and thus care for the Universe, and all life contained within it, with reverence and a true sense of what is Sacred.
"In an age when humanity's reach into the stars grows ever bolder it is vital that the Moon remains a beacon of peaceful scientific discovery rather than a theatre of exploitation. After all, for nearly every problem we face, Nature and the cosmos, with the benefit of billions of years of evolution, have already provided us with the solutions. Universal principles rooted in the harmony of Nature's patterns, cycles and geometry will be central to how we navigate the next frontier.
As you embark on this momentous endeavour, I send you and your fellow crew members my heartfelt good wishes. May the stars align in your favour, and may your safe return inspire countless others to uphold the values of sustainability, cooperation and wonder that the Astra Carta enshrines."
Artemis II launch LIVE: A visual guide to NASA's path to lunar far side - how astronauts will create figure '8'
The Artemis II mission will unfold over 10 days - from launch on April 1 to splashdown on April 10. During the mission, the Orion spacecraft, carrying the four astronauts, will fly two orbits of Earth and then venture around the Moon in a figure-eight pattern before returning to Earth.
Artemis II launch LIVE: 'Fast fill' of liquid hydrogen, oxygen underway
NASA said, "The Artemis II launch team transitioned to the fast fill of liquid hydrogen (LH2) into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage."
Artemis II launch LIVE: Team performs 'liquid oxygen main propulsion system chilldown' on SLS
The Artemis II launch team is now performing the liquid oxygen main propulsion system chilldown on the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket core stage.
Artemis II launch LIVE: NASA begins livestreaming as SLS, Orion prepare for lift off
NASA has begun its continuous coverage of Artemis II mission activities with live commentary, beginning with tanking of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and concluding with the recovery of the Orion Integrity spacecraft after splashdown.