Artemis II teams perform critical vent and relief test at Pad 39B
Launch teams at Pad 39B are currently conducting a critical vent and relief test to ensure the SLS rocket’s internal pressures remain perfectly balanced.
This procedure allows engineers to verify that the relief valves are functioning exactly as intended, venting excess gaseous oxygen and hydrogen to prevent over-pressurization within the massive tanks.
These controlled releases are a vital safety check, confirming that the vehicle can exhale properly while sitting fully fueled on the pad before the final sequence toward liftoff begins.
See every angle of the Artemis II launch with our live mission cameras
Watch LIVE the Artemis II moon rocket launch and livestream coverage on FOX Weather’s exclusive YouTube livestream. We’ll be tracking cloud cover, live radar and more as live cameras show the launch as it happens from Kennedy Space Center.
The first satellite image of Earth arrived 66 years ago today from TIROS-1
Air Force tasked with Artemis II safety at launch
U.S. Air Force Detachment 3 is ready for the Artemis II launch, and they’re tasked with contingency planning during the mission launch. Lt. Colonel Kevin Pieper joined FOX Weather to talk about how long Detachment 3 has been preparing for Artemis II, as well as all they prepare for ahead of launch.
Venting seen on Artemis II core stage as propellant tanks reach full capacity
As the SLS core stage reaches its full capacity, dramatic plumes of white vapor have become visible venting from the side of the rocket.
NASA engineers confirm this is a completely normal and expected condition, as the cryogenic tanks must constantly bleed off pressure from the super-cooled liquid oxygen and hydrogen to maintain a safe, stable environment.
Mission Management Team arrives on station for Artemis II launch
The Artemis II Mission Management Team (MMT) has just arrived on station at the Kennedy Space Center, marking a pivotal shift in the countdown’s command structure.
This group of senior NASA leaders and engineers is now officially responsible for the “Go/No-Go” decisions regarding mission safety and flight readiness.
Their presence in the firing room signifies that we have moved past routine ground processing and into the final, high-stakes decision-making phase for today’s historic journey to the Moon.
Artemis II hits T-minus 8 hours as fueling and crew preparations accelerate
We have officially crossed the T-minus 8-hour mark, and the countdown to the Moon is hitting its stride with all systems currently “Go” for tonight’s 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff.
The atmosphere at Kennedy Space Center has shifted into high gear as multiple critical operations run in parallel across the Cape.
Propellant loading update
Fueling of the massive SLS rocket is well into the fast-fill stage for both the core and upper stages. The core stage is now more than 75% full of its cryogenic cargo, and the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) is rapidly chilling as it takes on its own liquid hydrogen and oxygen. Plumes of white vapor are venting steadily from the pad—a sign that the beast is fully awake and breathing.
Flight crew status
Following their 9:25 a.m. ET wake-up call, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen are currently undergoing final medical checks and a high-protein breakfast. They will soon begin their final mission briefing before the suit-up process begins. The crew remains in high spirits, prepared to become the first humans in over 50 years to venture toward the lunar far side.
Launch weather outlook
The 45th Weather Squadron reports that conditions remain 80% favorable. While we are seeing some scattered cumulus clouds drifting over the spaceport, they are currently well within the “Go” parameters. Meteorologists are keeping a watchful eye on the afternoon sea breeze, which could push isolated showers near the pad, but for now, the sky over Pad 39B is cooperating beautifully.
Fueling update shows SLS rocket entering final propellant loading stages
Fueling operations are moving at a rapid clip as we approach the final stages of core stage loading. The liquid hydrogen tank in the SLS core stage is now 95% full, nearing its total capacity of 537,000 gallons, while liquid oxygen has reached the 60% mark.
Meanwhile, progress on the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) is also accelerating, with liquid hydrogen loading now at 47%.
As these super-cooled propellants continue to fill the stack, the rocket is visibly breathing, with venting and frost formation indicating that the vehicle is nearly ready for its 6:24 p.m. ET departure.
Clouds drift over Artemis II launch pad as weather teams monitor safety rules
The view from Launch Pad 39B this morning shows a mix of sun and scattered cumulus clouds drifting across the Kennedy Space Center.
While the sky has brightened significantly since the murky dawn, meteorologists are keeping a close watch on these low-level clouds to ensure they don’t develop into the thick layers that could trigger a “No-Go” for liftoff.
The primary goal for the 45th Weather Squadron is to ensure these clouds remain sparse enough to meet the strict Cumulus Cloud Rule safety requirements.
United States Coast Guard mobilizes to secure Artemis II launch zone
Fast-fill begins for the upper stage rocket
Following the successful chilldown of the transfer lines, NASA has officially transitioned into the fast-fill stage for the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS).
Liquid hydrogen is now surging into the rocket’s upper stage at a significantly increased flow rate, bringing the second-to-last major fueling milestone to life.
This critical phase ensures the RL10 engine has the massive volume of super-cooled propellant required to propel the Orion spacecraft and its four-person crew out of Earth’s orbit and toward the Moon.
Former NASA Chief Scientist discusses humanity’s return to the moon
Former NASA Chief Scientist, Jim Green, joined FOX Weather to discuss the complete flight plan for Artemis II’s 10-day trip around the Moon, as well as future plans for a lunar base.
Wake-up call for the Moon: Artemis II crew begins final launch day preparations
The mission has reached a heartfelt milestone this morning as the four individuals who will carry our lunar ambitions to the stars have officially begun their launch day.
At 9:25 a.m. ET, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, received their final wake-up call on Earth before their 10-day journey begins.
As the crew starts their morning medical checks and final mission briefings, the Launch Control Center is simultaneously conducting a comprehensive status check.
SLS upper stage prepares for fuel as chilldown process gets underway
With the core stage fueling well underway, NASA teams have now begun the upper stage chilldown process for the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS).
This critical step involves circulating a small amount of super-cooled liquid hydrogen through the upper stage’s lines and the RL10 engine to gradually lower their temperature.
By chilling the hardware now, engineers prevent thermal shock and ensure the metal is properly conditioned before the high-volume propellant flow begins, keeping the stack stable as we march toward the 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff.
How to see Artemis II: Where to look in Florida and Georgia tonight
If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the Artemis II launch tonight, your location and the timing of the ascent will be key.
For those in Florida, residents along the Space Coast will see the SLS rocket’s powerful arc within just 10 seconds of liftoff at 6:24 p.m. ET, while viewers in Orlando and Tampa can expect to see it roughly 30 to 50 seconds into flight.
As the rocket gains altitude and heads northeast, the visibility window expands into Georgia, with residents in Savannah potentially spotting the plume around 70 seconds after launch.
However, visibility quickly drops off further inland; while Jacksonville should have a great view, those in Tallahassee and much of western Georgia will likely sit just outside the visible range of the rocket’s trajectory.
Fast-fill operations surge as Artemis II rocket takes on cryogenic fuel
Fueling is in full swing at Kennedy Space Center as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket prepares for its journey around the Moon.
Currently, the core stage is roughly 30% full of liquid hydrogen, chilled to a bone-chilling -423°F, while the liquid oxygen tank is nearing 28% capacity at -294°F.
With fast-fill operations steadily pumping these super-cooled propellants into the massive 733,000-gallon system, the rocket is beginning to come to life, venting white plumes into the Florida air.
Once the core stage is topped off, teams will transition to fueling the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) to complete the propellant loading process.
NASA monitors 700,000 gallons of propellant at T-minus 9 hours
The countdown has officially crossed the T-minus 9-hour mark, and the massive SLS rocket is now breathing as venting white plumes of oxygen gas escape the pad.
With the fast-fill process in high gear, the core stage is rapidly becoming a super-cooled powerhouse, already holding over half of the 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant needed for liftoff.
Inside the Launch Control Center, the atmosphere is shifting from technical preparation to mission execution as controllers verify the structural integrity of the tanks under the immense weight of the fuel.
While the rocket continues to frost over at Launch Pad 39B, the four Artemis II astronauts are just minutes away from their scheduled 9:45 a.m. ET wake-up call, marking their final hours on Earth before their journey to the lunar far side.
NASA launch team sports lucky color for Artemis II
If you look closely at the consoles in the firing room today, you’ll notice a sea of emerald among the high-tech monitors. It is a long-standing NASA tradition for the launch team to wear green for good luck, a superstition that dates back to the early days of the space program.
From lucky neckties and scarves to polo shirts, the “Launch Green” attire serves as a silent nod to the team’s shared history and their hope for a smooth “Go” at T-zero.
Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson and her team lean into these small rituals to build camaraderie and keep spirits high during the intense, multi-hour countdown to the Moon.
NASA accelerates fueling for Artemis II as mission enters fast-fill phase
With the SLS core stage successfully chilled to cryogenic temperatures, NASA has officially transitioned into fast-fill operations to rapidly load the bulk of the 700,000 gallons of propellant.
Liquid oxygen is now surging into the rocket’s massive tanks at maximum flow rates, bringing the Artemis II mission one giant step closer to its 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff.
Slow-fill fueling begins as SLS rocket chills down for launch
The main event of the morning is now reaching its stride at Kennedy Space Center as propellant loading enters the critical slow-fill stage.
After successfully chilling down the transfer lines to prevent thermal shock, teams are now trickling liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the SLS core stage at a controlled pace.
This deliberate speed allows the massive tanks to adjust to the cryogenic temperatures—-297°F for the oxygen and -423°F for the hydrogen—without causing structural stress to the rocket’s skin.
As the super-cooled fuel begins to fill the bottom of the tanks, observers at the pad can see the first signs of frost and condensation forming on the exterior of the orange insulation.
Once the sensors confirm the tanks have reached a stable temperature and a safe internal volume, the Launch Director will give the command to transition into the fast-fill phase, significantly increasing the flow to meet the 700,000-gallon capacity needed for tonight’s 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff.
Solar weather remains quiet as NASA monitors the sun for Artemis II launch
While the 45th Weather Squadron scans the Florida clouds, NASA’s Space Weather Prediction Center is looking much further up—monitoring the sun for solar flares and geomagnetic activity.
High-energy solar particles can interfere with the SLS rocket’s sensitive avionics during ascent and, more importantly, pose a radiation risk to the four astronauts once they leave the protective envelope of Earth’s magnetic field.
Space weather analysts are currently tracking “favorable” solar conditions, ensuring that no major coronal mass ejections are headed toward the lunar flight path.
Maintaining a quiet sun is a critical safety requirement for the 10-day journey, as the Artemis II crew will be more exposed to deep-space radiation than any humans in over half a century.
Artemis II hits the T-minus 10-hour mark as fueling operations intensify
We have officially hit the T-minus 10-hour mark in the Artemis II countdown, and the energy at Kennedy Space Center is palpable as the mission moves into high gear.
Right now, the focus is entirely on the main engine of the launch day: the massive fueling operation. Engineers are currently transitioning from the chilldown phase into the fast-fill stage, pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen into the SLS core stage.
As the rocket’s exterior begins to form a layer of frost from the super-cooled propellants, controllers in the firing room are meticulously monitoring pressure levels and temperature sensors to ensure every system remains stable.
While the SLS takes on fuel, the four astronauts are enjoying some rest before their scheduled wake-up call at 9:45 a.m. ET.
NASA engineers monitor SLS fueling from the Launch Control Center firing room
Activity inside Launch Control Center’s firing room is intensifying this morning as controllers monitor every data point of the Artemis II countdown.
With banks of monitors displaying the SLS rocket at Pad 39B and teams stationed at their consoles, the room serves as the nerve center for today’s mission operations. The atmosphere is one of focused calm as engineers coordinate the ongoing tanking process and prepare for the arrival of the four-person crew later today.
Artemis II wind speeds well below safety limits ahead of tonight’s launch
Current wind data from Launch Pad 39B shows highly favorable conditions as the Artemis II countdown continues.
Surface winds are light, and sensor readings across the three monitoring towers show upper-level speeds ranging from just 2 to 18 mph.
These numbers remain well below the safety threshold of 33–45 mph, providing NASA teams with a perfect meteorological window as fueling operations proceed.
Launch weather officer reports favorable conditions for final preparations
Launch Weather Officer Mark Burger provided a welcome dose of confidence to the mission teams this morning, officially reporting that weather conditions are acceptable and favorable for the start of tanking.
This green light ensures that the delicate process of loading super-cooled propellants can proceed without the threat of lightning or high winds interfering with ground operations.
While meteorologists continue to keep a watchful eye on the afternoon coastal clouds, this favorable window provides the perfect environment for the SLS rocket to drink in its 700,000 gallons of fuel as the countdown remains firmly on track.
Countdown enters first built-in hold: Understanding L-time vs. T-time
If you’ve been watching the countdown clocks and noticed they don’t quite match up, you aren’t seeing a glitch. We have officially entered the first built-in hold of the day, highlighting the difference between L-time and T-time.
While L-time (Launch time) reflects the actual wall-clock time remaining until the 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff, T-time (Test time) is the sequence of events choreographed to the rocket’s internal logic.
These built-in holds are scheduled pauses that allow teams to catch up on tasks or troubleshoot minor issues without delaying the actual launch.
During this pause, the T-clock stops while the L-clock keeps ticking toward the evening window.
This particular hold is a crucial breather for the launch team to finish chilling the propellant lines and verify that the initial flow of liquid oxygen and hydrogen into the SLS core stage is perfectly stable before the countdown resumes.
Artemis II tanking underway: NASA begins loading fuel for moon launch
The “Go” has been given! At 7:33 a.m. ET, Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson officially cleared teams to begin the critical process of loading the SLS rocket with propellant.
Tanking operations are now underway at Kennedy Space Center, starting with the chilldown of the transfer lines. This essential phase gradually cools the pipes to handle the extreme temperatures of liquid oxygen (-297°F) and liquid hydrogen (-423°F), preventing the metal from cracking under thermal shock.
Over the next several hours, more than 700,000 gallons of these super-cooled propellants will flow into the core stage, transforming the SLS into a fully fueled moon rocket ready for its 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff.
Launch director to poll team for Artemis II tanking ‘Go/No-Go’
One of the most high-stakes moments of the morning is fast approaching at Kennedy Space Center. At 7:34 a.m. ET, Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson will lead the critical “Go/No-Go” poll to begin tanking operations.
This decision is the green light for engineers to start pumping more than 700,000 gallons of super-cooled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the SLS rocket.
Because these propellants are stored at temperatures as low as -423°F, the “tanking” process is a delicate, hours-long dance of thermal conditioning and pressure checks.
A “Go” here officially transitions the mission from a theoretical countdown into an active, fueled-up launch attempt.
Former NASA astronaut shares her expertise on space travel
Retired NASA Astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger joined FOX Weather to share her expertise and past experience when traveling into space in her career, along with her thoughts on the upcoming Artemis II mission.
Dining in deep space: A look at the 10-day menu for Artemis II astronauts
Monitoring morning showers near Artemis II launch pad at Kennedy Space Center
Meteorologists are currently tracking isolated morning showers near Launch Pad 39B as the John F. Kennedy Space Center prepares to launch Artemis II later today.
These wandering showers remain a key watchpoint for the 45th Weather Squadron to ensure the SLS rocket stays clear of any moisture that could violate strict launch safety rules.
Sun rises over Artemis II rocket at Kennedy Space Center
The countdown to the Moon began under a moody Florida sky this morning as clouds shrouded Launch Pad 39B in a murky gray.
While the 322-foot Space Launch System (SLS) rocket remains unobscured, the atmospheric scene served as a vivid reminder of the meteorological hurdles teams are watching today.
FOX Weather provides LIVE, all-day coverage of today’s historic Artemis II launch
Stay with FOX Weather for all-day coverage of this historic return to the Moon, featuring real-time analysis of the “Go/No-Go” weather conditions.
Meteorologists Steve Bender and Ian Oliver will lead our live broadcast, providing expert insight into the Florida forecast and the critical cloud rules that could impact the 6:24 p.m. ET launch window.
They will be joined by FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell and FOX News’ Rebekah Castor, Sarah Alegre, and Amy Galo reporting live from the Kennedy Space Center, to bring you the sights and sounds from the pad as the Artemis II crew prepares for liftoff.
Click here to find out how to stream FOX Weather LIVE 24/7 on your favorite device.
Meteorologists monitor cloud rules and wind ahead of Artemis II liftoff
The weather outlook for today’s historic Artemis II launch remains a promising 80% “Go,” though meteorologists from the 45th Weather Squadron are keeping a close watch on a few potential deal-breakers.
The primary concerns for the 6:24 p.m. ET liftoff are the Cumulus Cloud Rule and the Thick Cloud Rule, as any significant moisture or cloud layers extending into freezing temperatures could trigger a scrub to protect the SLS rocket from atmospheric electrical discharge.
Additionally, teams are monitoring ground-level winds at Kennedy Space Center to ensure they remain within the safe peak liftoff range of 29 to 39 knots.
While Launch Weather Officer Mark Burger noted a low risk for lightning during a Tuesday weather briefing, the optimistic forecast still hinges on finding clear air between isolated showers wandering near the Space Coast.
From tanking to liftoff: The full schedule for today’s Artemis II mission
The countdown to the Moon is officially entering its high-stakes final phases. To help you track every critical milestone from fueling to liftoff, here is the tick-tock of the major events scheduled for today.
7:34 a.m. ET – The “go/no-go” for tanking: Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson will poll the team to begin “tanking”—the delicate process of loading the SLS rocket with over 700,000 gallons of super-cooled liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.9:45 a.m. ET – Crew wake-up call: Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew of three will receive their final wake-up call on Earth before their 10-day journey begins.12:30 p.m. ET – Final weather briefing: The crew will receive a specialized weather update from the 45th Weather Squadron. While the forecast remains 80% “Go,” meteorologists will be looking for any signs of developing afternoon sea breeze showers.1:50 p.m. ET – Crew rollout:
Just before 2 p.m., the four astronauts will exit the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, wave to family and media, and board the “Artemis Generation” transport vehicles for the drive to Launch Pad 39B.6:07 p.m. ET – Final countdown: Launch Director will conduct the final “go/no-go” for launch and the Ground Launch Sequencer enters terminal count.6:24 p.m. ET – Liftoff: The two-hour launch window officially opens.
Ground launch sequencer takes command as Artemis II countdown enters final phase
The Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) has officially taken command of the countdown, marking a critical transition from manual oversight to automated precision.
As the brain of the launch pad, the GLS is now responsible for orchestrating thousands of simultaneous operations, including the final chilling of fuel lines and the pressurized loading of liquid oxygen and hydrogen.
If at any point during these final hours the sensors detect a technical glitch or a sudden shift in Florida’s weather that violates safety constraints, the GLS can trigger an automatic hold or scrub in milliseconds—faster than any human could react—to protect the crew and the SLS rocket.
Catch up from Tuesday’s LIVE coverage
ICYMI: We spent yesterday tracking the 80% ‘Go’ forecast and the first stages of the SLS power-up.
See the full weather breakdown and Day 1 countdown highlights in our archived live blog.