While NASA originally planned to launch Artemis I in November of 2021, they have now moved the date of expected launch to February 12, 2022. This will be an unmanned test flight for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon. With the help of other commercial and international space companies, NASA will also utilize this mission to establish a long-term presence on the moon and apply what they learn on the moon to help them eventually land people on Mars.

Considering the countless factors NASA will have to consider while developing this mission, their expected launch date in February is tentative and subject to change based on the results of Artemis I’s wet dress rehearsal. This is the most important test the Orion capsule will undergo as it will assess the readiness of the launch system to safely reach orbit by loading and unloading the propellants weeks in advance. Until completing a successful dress rehearsal, NASA will not set a firm launch date for Artemis I.

As of right now, NASA has said they completed the assembly for the mission’s vehicle after finishing the installation of the Orion spacecraft on top of the upper stage of the Space Launch System (SLS). According to Mike Sarafin, Artemis I mission manager at NASA headquarters, “Completing stacking is a really important milestone. It shows that we’re in the home stretch towards the mission.” Despite having February 12, 2022, as an indefinite date for launch, NASA’s Artemis I will soon be sent to the moon, establishing a foundation for the mission’s goal to land astronauts on the moon again by 2024.