NASA’s Artemis II rollout to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center: Date, time and how to watch

The rollout will be streamed live on various platforms, including NASA's YouTube channel.

BY JUHI VARMA

UPDATED MAR 19, 2026

NASA’s Artemis II SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical inside the Vehicle Assembly building, as preparations continue for rollout to Launch Complex 39B. (Cover Image Source: NASA/ Kim Shifflett)

NASA's Artemis II mission's awaited rollout is set to begin. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and the Orion spacecraft’s deployment to Launch Pad 39B are expected to commence today, on March 19, 2026, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as per NASA. This follows the recent closeout operation of the rocket inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), completing earlier than expected, aptly positioning the mission for a potential launch on April 1. This mission marks the first crewed lunar flyby since the Apollo days, symbolizing a historical feat for the space agency.

The sun sets on NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 31, 2026. (Cover Image Source: NASA/Sam Lott) — The sun sets on NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft as they stand fully assembled atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 31, 2026. (Image Source: NASA/Sam Lott)

Rollout Date and Time

Engineers are targeting the rollout to commence at 8 p.m. EDT this evening, when the 322-foot SLS rocket and the Orion capsule will be carried atop the Crawler-Transporter-2 and complete their 12-hour journey across the 4 miles between the VAB and the launchpad. The transporter will carry this 11-million-pound stack, including the mobile launcher, moving at a speed of about 1 mph. The rollout time can change depending on the weather and the time needed for technical preparation.

SLS rocket for Artemis II at launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida (Image Source: NASA | Keegan Barber) — SLS rocket for Artemis II at launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Image Source: NASA | Keegan Barber)

Watch the Artemis II rollout live

NASA will be livestreaming this 12-hour-long rollout journey, which will be available on their YouTube channel, NASA+, and other streaming platforms. This live feed will provide continuous views of the Artemis II Moon rocket rollout from the stunning Kennedy Space Center. People can also buy tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and witness this event live in front of their eyes.

NASA's Artemis II sits on Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on February 03, 2026 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Cover Image Souce: Joe Raedle/Getty Images) — NASA's Artemis II sits on Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on February 03, 2026 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Image Souce: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The Artemis II crew

The Artemis II astronauts have also started their preparation for the mission, entering quarantine at 5 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, 18 March, in Houston. The four-person crew, comprising Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Jeremy Hansen, will be limiting their exposure to the outside world during this period. This is to ensure that they stay at the top of their health before the launch of the Artemis II mission. Five days before the launch, they will be transported to the Kennedy Space Center, where they will continue their quarantine till the launch date.

Artemis II NASA astronauts (left to right) Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen stand in the white room on the crew access arm of the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B. (Cover Image Source: NASA/Frank Michaux) — Artemis II NASA astronauts (left to right) Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen stand in the white room on the crew access arm of the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B. (Image Source: NASA/Frank Michaux)

NASA will be hoping all goes well this time around, especially considering the delays that the mission has already faced till now. The launch opportunities in April span the first six days of the month, with an additional window on the 30th.

More on Starlust

Dining in space: What and how will the Artemis II crew eat on Orion?

What will the Artemis II crew do each day of the mission? A look inside their daily agenda

NASA’s Artemis II rollout to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center: Date, time and how to watch

Rollout Date and Time

Watch the Artemis II rollout live

The Artemis II crew

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