NASA Unveils Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Coverage: A Fueling Test and News Conference
NASA is gearing up for the Artemis II test flight, and on February 19, 2026, they'll be providing live coverage of a crucial wet dress rehearsal. This rehearsal involves fueling the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and will culminate in a news conference the following day.
The action starts at 8:30 p.m. EST on February 19, with a simulated launch window. The test could last up to four hours, giving teams a chance to fine-tune the process.
On February 20, at 11 a.m., NASA leaders will address the media, sharing insights on the rehearsal's outcome. The key players include:
- Lori Glaze, Acting Associate Administrator of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate
- John Honeycutt, Chair of the Artemis II Mission Management Team
- A Representative from Exploration Ground Systems
NASA will broadcast the news conference live on their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/NASA/streams). Additionally, they'll offer a 24/7 live stream of the rocket at the pad and a separate feed focusing on the wet dress activities. Real-time blog updates will also be available on the Artemis blog (https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/artemis/).
This rehearsal marks the second attempt following a previous fueling test on February 3, 2026. Media previously accredited for the launch can attend the news conference in person, while others can join virtually by contacting the newsroom at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at least an hour before the conference.
Artemis, a cornerstone of NASA's Golden Age of innovation and exploration, is paving the way for new crewed missions on the lunar surface. It's a crucial step towards the ultimate goal of sending astronauts to Mars.
For more information about the Artemis campaign, visit https://www.nasa.gov/artemis.
Contact:
Rachel Kraft / Jimi Russell
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
Email: rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov / james.j.russell@nasa.gov
Tiffany Fairley
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-747-8306
Email: tiffany.l.fairley@nasa.gov
