SLS Block 1 | Artemis II

The Human Exploration flight SLS Block 1 | Artemis II departed Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA atop a Space Launch System (SLS), bound for Lunar flyby.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission type
Human Exploration
Rocket
Space Launch System (SLS)
Launch site
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Launch pad
Launch Complex 39B
Payload
—
Target orbit
Lunar flyby
SLS Block 1 | Artemis II cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2026-04-01T22:35:12.000Z
    Liftoff
    Liftoff confirmed — Space Launch System (SLS) is airborne.
  2. Max-Q
    Max Q — Space Launch System (SLS) endures peak structural stress during ascent.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    First-stage main engine cutoff (MECO) confirmed.
  4. Stage separation
    The spent first stage separates from the upper stage.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    Upper stage ignites, continuing the journey toward orbit.
  6. Orbit insertion
    The mission reaches Lunar flyby, successfully entering orbit.
  7. Mission success
    The mission concludes successfully.

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