NASA Artemis II rocket rollout to launch pad scheduled for today
Updated: 8:04 PM EDT Mar 19, 2026
>> Watch the Artemis II rollout streaming live in the video player aboveNASA is set to roll out its Artemis II rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, aiming for a launch as early as April 1 after several delays this year.Officials hope for liftoff between April 1 and April 6, following the resolution of an issue with the flow of helium in the rocket’s upper stage.The rollout process, which could take between eight and 12 hours, marks the second time NASA has undertaken this procedure with Artemis II.NASA has confirmed that the helium issue has been fixed, and the Artemis II team is currently in quarantine in Houston. During a recent news conference, NASA officials said, “Again, while I am comfortable and the agency is comfortable with targeting April 1st as our first opportunity. Just keep in mind we still have work to go. There are still things that need to be done within the VAB and out at the pad. And as always, we’ll always be guided by what the hardware is telling us, and we will launch when we’re ready.”The rollout to the pad is expected to begin at 8 p.m., with the rocket moving at less than one mile per hour along a four-mile route.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL —
>> Watch the Artemis II rollout streaming live in the video player above
NASA is set to roll out its Artemis II rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, aiming for a launch as early as April 1 after several delays this year.
Officials hope for liftoff between April 1 and April 6, following the resolution of an issue with the flow of helium in the rocket’s upper stage.
The rollout process, which could take between eight and 12 hours, marks the second time NASA has undertaken this procedure with Artemis II.
NASA has confirmed that the helium issue has been fixed, and the Artemis II team is currently in quarantine in Houston. During a recent news conference, NASA officials said, “Again, while I am comfortable and the agency is comfortable with targeting April 1st as our first opportunity. Just keep in mind we still have work to go. There are still things that need to be done within the VAB and out at the pad. And as always, we’ll always be guided by what the hardware is telling us, and we will launch when we’re ready.”
The rollout to the pad is expected to begin at 8 p.m., with the rocket moving at less than one mile per hour along a four-mile route.