NASA Begins Fueling Rehearsal for First Moon Flight Since 1972

NASA began a two-day practice countdown Saturday leading up to the fueling of its new moon rocket, a crucial test that will determine when four astronauts blast off on a lunar flyby.

The 322-foot (98-meter) Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which moved to the launch pad two weeks ago, will undergo its fueling demonstration on Monday. If the test goes smoothly, NASA could attempt an actual launch within a week. During the practice, teams will fill the rocket’s tanks with over 700,000 gallons of super-cold fuel, stopping just a half-minute short of ignition to ensure all systems are functioning properly.

A bitter cold spell forced a two-day delay in the rehearsal, pushing the earliest potential launch date to Feb. 8. The countdown and fueling exercise are designed to simulate every step of the mission and confirm the rocket’s readiness before the astronauts travel to Kennedy Space Center.

Commander Reid Wiseman and his three crewmates are already in quarantine at their Houston base to prevent the introduction of germs before the mission. They will monitor the dress rehearsal remotely before departing for Florida once the rocket is cleared for flight. The astronauts will ride in the Orion capsule atop the SLS, hurtling around the moon before returning directly to Earth. The mission is expected to last nearly 10 days, ending with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

This mission marks the first time humans will travel to the moon since 1972, when NASA’s Apollo program completed its final crewed lunar flight. During Apollo, 24 astronauts journeyed to the moon, with 12 walking on its surface. The new mission will not include a lunar landing, but it represents a critical step toward returning humans to the lunar surface in future missions.

NASA has emphasized that this test is not only about the rocket itself but also about ensuring the safety and preparedness of the crew. The SLS, the most powerful rocket NASA has built since the Apollo-era Saturn V, will carry astronauts farther into space than any American has traveled in decades.

The upcoming lunar flyby will also include a Canadian astronaut, highlighting international collaboration in the Artemis program, NASA’s long-term effort to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. The mission is expected to generate valuable data for future lunar operations and lay the groundwork for eventual trips to Mars.

The fueling rehearsal is a critical milestone in the lead-up to the historic mission. NASA engineers and astronauts will continue to monitor systems carefully, making adjustments as needed to ensure a successful launch. With the countdown underway, the United States is poised to return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in more than half a century.