NASA's moon rocket, Artemis II, set for major test

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center Feb. 1, 2026.

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The full moon rises as Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Artemis II sits on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center February 1, 2026. The Space Launch System rocket will undergo testing this week to determine its readiness for launch. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK