Due to quicker than expected completion of close-out activities, NASA now may roll out the Artemis II rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B, on Thursday, March 19.
A final decision on start time will be made on Wednesday, March 18.
The rollout was originally scheduled for March 19, but engineers identified an electrical harness on the flight termination system of the core stage of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket that needed to be replaced. They expected to delay the move to Friday, March 20. However, since addressing the issue, teams have gained some of the time back, which may allow rollout to begin March 19, once again.
The journey to the launch pad will take up to 12 hours; NASA will provide a live stream of the move.
Once the start time for the trek is identified, an update will be provided. A rollout on either day would still preserve the possibility of launching as early as Wednesday, April 1, though teams continue to keep an eye on the weather forecasts. The April launch window includes opportunities through Monday, April 6, as well as Thursday, April 30.
