NASA's SLS rocket rolls out to Historic LC-39B for Artemis II

SLS rolling past the turn basin at the Kennedy Space Center // Photo - Ryan Bale

NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft rolled out from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B on Saturday, marking a major milestone in preparations for the Artemis II mission. This is the first time the SLS rocket has been positioned at the pad for a crewed lunar flight, signaling a transition from vehicle processing to active launch readiness.

The 322-foot-tall rocket, weighing approximately 11 million pounds, made the four-mile journey along the crawlerway atop its mobile launcher. The rollout places the vehicle at the same launch complex that supported Apollo and Space Shuttle missions, underscoring the program’s role as NASA’s next step in deep-space human exploration.

The Role of SLS in the Artemis Program

The Space Launch System is NASA’s super heavy-lift rocket designed to send astronauts beyond low Earth orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft. Powered by four RS-25 engines and two solid rocket boosters, SLS provides the thrust necessary for lunar and future deep-space missions.

SLS first flew during the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, successfully sending Orion on a multi-week flight around the Moon and back to Earth. Artemis II builds directly on that success, introducing astronauts while validating life support systems, guidance and navigation, communications, and manual flight operations in deep space.

The Artemis II mission will send Orion on a free-return trajectory around the Moon, carrying the crew farther from Earth than any humans have traveled since the Apollo era.

Artemis II Astronauts with new NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman // Photo - Ryan Bale

The Artemis II Flight Crew

Artemis II will carry a four-person crew representing both NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. Each astronaut brings a distinct background in spaceflight, aviation, and mission operations, forming the team that will conduct humanity’s first crewed lunar mission since Apollo.

Reid Wiseman - Mission Commander | NASA

Reid Wiseman serves as commander of Artemis II and is responsible for overall mission execution and crew coordination. He is a veteran NASA astronaut and former U.S. Navy test pilot.

Wiseman previously flew aboard the International Space Station as part of Expedition 40 and Expedition 41, where he served as flight engineer and later commander. His experience includes spacewalk operations, spacecraft systems management, and long-duration mission leadership, making him well-suited to lead NASA’s first crewed lunar flight of the Artemis era.

Victor Glover - Pilot | NASA

Victor Glover is the pilot for Artemis II and will play a key role in spacecraft operations and manual flight testing.

Glover previously flew on SpaceX’s Crew-1 mission to the International Space Station, where he served as pilot for the Crew Dragon spacecraft. He is a former U.S. Navy test pilot with extensive experience flying high-performance aircraft and evaluating new flight systems. Artemis II will mark his first journey beyond low Earth orbit.

Christina Koch - Mission Specialist | NASA

Christina Koch serves as a mission specialist on Artemis II and will support spacecraft operations, systems monitoring, and mission objectives throughout the flight.

Koch is known for completing one of the longest single spaceflights by a woman during her time aboard the International Space Station. She also participated in the first all-female spacewalk. On Artemis II, she will become the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit, a milestone not reached since the Apollo program.

Jeremy Hansen - Mission Specialist | Canadian Space Agency

Jeremy Hansen is a mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency and will become the first Canadian astronaut to fly on a lunar mission.

Hansen is a former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot. He previously served as backup crew for Expedition 58 and has been deeply involved in astronaut training and international mission planning. His participation reflects Canada’s long-standing partnership with NASA and its growing role in the Artemis program.

What Happens Now at Pad 39B

With the rocket now at Launch Complex 39B, teams will begin pad integration activities, including connecting ground systems, performing electrical and communications checks, and preparing the vehicle for cryogenic fueling operations.

A key upcoming milestone is the wet dress rehearsal. During this test, the SLS rocket will be fully loaded with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, allowing teams to practice countdown procedures and verify system performance under launch-day conditions.

What Artemis II Means for What Comes Next

The Artemis II mission is a critical step toward future crewed lunar landings. Artemis III is planned to return astronauts to the Moon’s surface near the lunar south pole, while later missions will focus on building a sustained human presence through Gateway operations and surface infrastructure.

Saturday’s rollout represents more than a physical move to the launch pad. It marks the point where Artemis II shifts from preparation to execution, bringing NASA closer to restoring human deep-space flight and setting the foundation for the next phase of lunar exploration.