File Photo | Photo Credit: NASA Multimedia

As NASA edges closer to its Artemis II mission, the space agency announced it will conduct a critical “wet dress rehearsal” on February 19, 2026, at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This test involves a comprehensive trial run of fueling procedures with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, essential for the success of the upcoming lunar mission. The rehearsal sets the stage for Artemis II, which will send four astronauts on a trajectory around the Moon.

The crew for this historic journey includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—the latter representing the Canadian Space Agency. This mission marks a significant step in NASA’s broader Artemis program, aiming to reestablish human presence on the Moon and eventually venture to Mars.

Following the rehearsal, NASA will host a news conference on February 20 to discuss the outcomes and next phases of the Artemis II mission. Key NASA officials, including Lori Glaze and John Honeycutt, will lead the briefing. For those unable to attend in person, NASA offers a live stream via its YouTube channel and other digital platforms, ensuring global access to this monumental phase in space exploration.