Artemis 2 crew provide a readiness update in front of their SLS Core Stage

On December 16, NASA hosted a select group of media representatives inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, for an exclusive briefing on the ambitious Artemis program. The event provided updates on mission preparations, challenges, and progress as NASA works toward its goal of returning humans to the Moon and landing at its South Pole.

Earlier this month, the Space Launch System core stage for the Artemis 2 mission was placed vertically in a new structure inside High Bay 2. Technicians will perform a number of final checkouts in parallel with the stacking of the twin five-segment solid rocket boosters on Mobile Launcher-1 in High Bay 3

With the SLS core stage as a backdrop, media attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the Orion capsule that will carry four astronauts around the Moon on the historic Artemis 2 mission. The event also featured appearances from both the prime and backup crews, who shared insights into their ongoing preparations and training.

Artemis 2 is currently scheduled to send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a free-return trajectory around the Moon as early as April 2026. Backup crewmembers Andre Douglas of NASA and Jenni Gibbons of Canada have been training alongside the prime crew.

The April 2026 launch date is a delay from the previous target of September 2025. This delay will give teams more time to prepare for the flight following the conclusion of an investigation into the Orion heat shield from the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission, which flew in late 2022.

Artemis 1’s heat shield sustained unexpected charring due to a build up of gases, which cracked and damaged the heat shield’s outer material. This was a result of the planned skip trajectory for the mission. NASA plans to modify the existing Artemis 2 reentry trajectory to prevent this issue, while future Orion heat shields are being designed to withstand a skip reentry.

During the briefing, the Artemis astronauts and program leaders addressed challenges related to the heat shield and the modified reentry trajectory. The modified trajectory will likely result in shortened launch windows compared to Artemis 1.

Teams are also working to get SLS ready to fly earlier than April 2026. The launch timeline remains critical, as it directly impacts mission success, including precise landing and return operations for future Artemis flights.

Training and testing ongoing 

During the recent media event, the Artemis 2 astronauts discussed their intensive training regimen, highlighting the importance of collaboration across NASA’s divisions. Simulations and practical exercises, such as specialized vehicle rides, are designed to prepare the crew for the complexities of the mission. 

Despite the recent delay stemming from the heat shield investigation, the overall training timeline remains steady as NASA works toward mission readiness.

Program leaders emphasized the scale of the Artemis program, which encompasses 50 to 60 integrated tests beyond the well-known SLS and Orion systems. These tests focus on advancing capabilities, including landing heavy cargo at the Moon’s South Pole and achieving sustainable lunar operations.

The agency also stressed the importance of refining operations between Boca Chica, Texas (where SpaceX’s Starship is being developed and launched) and Florida spaceports. Achieving reliable, simultaneous launches remains a critical milestone, especially for Artemis 3, which aims to put humans on the Moon for the first time since 1972.

Artemis 3, targeted for mid-2027, is expected to launch a series of Starships – tankers, a depot, and a lunar lander variant – in close succession. Once the lander is in place around the Moon, NASA will launch an SLS rocket with an Orion spacecraft and four astronauts. Two of the astronauts will then travel to the surface of the Moon for a six-day stay.

Government and private sector support 

The Artemis program continues to showcase strong collaboration between government agencies and private industry, solidifying its role as a major investment in technological progress and American innovation. Leaders emphasized that decisions remain data-driven and grounded in thorough analysis, ensuring the highest level of mission precision and safety. 

The astronauts also reflected on the program’s broader legacy, underscoring the importance of establishing a strong foundation for future exploration efforts, including missions to Mars. 

Cost and construction updates 

Updates on infrastructure progress were promising, with current cost projections expected to come in lower than previously anticipated, NASA said. While specific figures were not disclosed, the agency expressed confidence in achieving these goals. 

Meanwhile, construction milestones remain on track for Mobile Launcher-2, which will be used for a future upgraded SLS rocket. The first tower segment is expected to be lifted into place on the platform soon.

Construction of ML-2, located north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, marks a crucial step forward in preparations for Artemis missions beyond Artemis 3.

Looking forward 

As the event concluded, the Artemis program’s objectives stood out with renewed clarity: Advancing human spaceflight capabilities, pushing the boundaries of current technology, and laying the groundwork for sustainable lunar operations. 

Seeing the Orion capsule and hearing directly from the Artemis 2 astronauts, including their backup crew, underscored the program’s tangible progress and the dedication of those leading the way. The updates shared reflect NASA’s continued commitment to precision, innovation, and collaboration as it moves closer to a new era of human exploration beyond Earth.