In a major step toward returning humans to deep space, NASA's towering Artemis II moon rocket completed a crucial journey to its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rollout occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, setting the stage for a historic mission that will carry a Canadian astronaut around the Moon.
Historic Rollout at Kennedy Space Center
The massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and its Orion spacecraft made the slow, hours-long trek from the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B. This milestone marks the final major ground test before the crewed mission, which is slated to send four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and back to Earth. The event was captured by photographers, including John Raoux of The Associated Press, whose images show the rocket bathed in spotlights against the night sky.
Canadian Astronaut's Excitement Builds
Among the international crew is Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Hansen, who will become the first Canadian to travel to lunar space, has expressed immense enthusiasm for the upcoming flight. In recent statements, he described himself as "pumped" about the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking expedition. His role on the Artemis II mission is a landmark achievement for Canada's space program and highlights the nation's critical contributions to lunar exploration, including the Canadarm3 robotics system destined for the future Lunar Gateway.
What Comes Next for Artemis II
The move to the pad allows teams to conduct a series of final checkouts and rehearsals. The mission itself will not land on the lunar surface but will instead perform a lunar flyby, testing all spacecraft systems with astronauts aboard. This mission is a critical precursor to Artemis III, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon. The success of Artemis II is pivotal for NASA's long-term goals of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars.
The rollout of the Artemis II rocket is more than just a logistical step; it is a powerful symbol of a new era of international space exploration. With a Canadian on board, the mission carries the aspirations of an entire nation eager to see one of its own venture further into the cosmos than ever before.
