he earliest attainable launch date for the Artemis II rocket to hold Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen across the moon is scheduled for Feb. 8.
NASA stated chilly climate and winds that blew by Florida and the Kennedy Area Middle within the final a number of days led to the adjusted timeline.
They stated the adjustment will place the house company for achievement, because the climate was anticipated to “violate launch situations.”
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On Monday, crews will conduct a simulated launch, often known as a moist gown rehearsal, to verify they’re ready for launch day.
Hansen, who hails from London, Ont., will function mission specialist throughout Artemis II, changing into the primary non-American to journey past low Earth orbit, marking a historic achievement for Canada.
Artemis II would be the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972 — the yr of the ultimate Apollo mission.
“Whereas NASA will wait to set a launch date till groups have reviewed the result of the moist gown rehearsal, Friday, Feb. 6, and Saturday, Feb. 7, are now not viable alternatives,” NASA stated in a press release.
“Any further delays would lead to a day for day change.”
After the roughly 10-day mission, the craft is predicted to splash down within the Pacific Ocean.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
