Moon mission fueling test concludes with no major problems

NASA successfully completed a full fueling test of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Feb. 19, 2026, marking a major step toward launching the Artemis II crew around the Moon as early as March 6. Engineers loaded more than 750,000 gallons of supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the rocket at Kennedy Space Center without detecting any significant hydrogen leaks — a key improvement after earlier tests were halted due to leakage issues. The countdown proceeded smoothly to T-29 seconds, and teams also practiced recycling and restarting the countdown to simulate real launch conditions. Tanks were pressurized as they would be for liftoff, with no major problems reported. Previous attempts earlier in the month were cut short when hydrogen leaks were detected near fueling connections at the rocket’s base. Engineers replaced faulty seals and conducted additional testing before Thursday’s successful rehearsal. If final data reviews confirm the positive results, Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen could be cleared for launch within weeks. The mission will be the first crewed flight around the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972 and a key step toward NASA’s planned lunar landing under Artemis III.