The Moon is seen shining over the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 29, 2026. The rocket is currently at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as teams are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for the launch of Artemis II.
The Moon is seen shining next to the SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher on January 28, 2026, at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA/Sam Lott

As teams continue to fuel the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, teams began propellant loading operations for the rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS), or upper stage. 

The launch control team is filling the ICPS with liquid hydrogen. The core stage liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks, meanwhile, are currently in fast fill.

A 24/7 live stream of the rocket at the pad remains online, as well as a separate feed to capture wet dress activities.   

Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal: SLS Upper Stage Propellant Loading Begins