Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NASA Prepares for Artemis 2 Launch Amid Competition

1/17/2026

44 5

Summary

Story summary

NASA plans January 17 rollout of Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for Artemis 2 amid competition with China.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen are among four crew members conducting a final walkdown of emergency egress system.
A wet dress rehearsal is scheduled for February 2.
The timeline raises concerns about the February 6 launch.
If delayed, additional launch windows are available in February and March.

History

Historical Context

The Apollo 11 mission, launched on July 16, 1969, marked the first successful moon landing, fulfilling President John F. Kennedy's 1961 goal. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on July 20, while Michael Collins orbited above. This monumental achievement, supported by a $25 billion budget, established U.S. dominance in the Space Race and laid the groundwork for future lunar exploration, including NASA's Artemis program.

1 of 2

Story summary

NASA plans January 17 rollout of Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for Artemis 2 amid competition with China.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen are among four crew members conducting a final walkdown of emergency egress system.
A wet dress rehearsal is scheduled for February 2.
The timeline raises concerns about the February 6 launch.
If delayed, additional launch windows are available in February and March.

1 / 2