Artemis II Mission Advances as NASA Prepares Key Rocket Test Amid Space Industry Milestones
WASHINGTON (AP) — NASA plans to conduct a final major test of its Space Launch System rocket on Jan. 31, 2026, ahead of the Artemis II mission's projected launch no earlier than Feb. 8, 2026, officials said. The test occurs at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Artemis II will send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby, the first crewed U.S. mission to the moon in over 50 years.
The mission tests systems for future lunar landings, NASA stated. It builds on the uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022. The Space Launch System, an 11-million-pound rocket, rolled out to the launch pad recently. Engineers will simulate countdown procedures during the Jan. 31 test. Weather could delay the event, according to NASA.
"Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA's path to establishing a long-term presence at the Moon," NASA said in a statement. "The 10-day flight will help confirm systems and hardware needed for early human lunar exploration missions."
The Artemis II crew will travel farther from Earth than any humans since the Apollo program ended in 1972, officials added. NASA has not named the specific astronauts, but the mission includes international partners. The Orion spacecraft will carry the crew during the flyby, which avoids a lunar landing.
In related developments, Varda Space Industries landed its W-5 reentry mission in Australia on Jan. 29, 2026. The company demonstrated a new in-house spacecraft design for end-to-end operations, SpaceNews reported. Varda focuses on in-space manufacturing and reentry vehicles.
SpaceX filed plans for a constellation of one million satellites to create an orbital data center, according to regulatory documents. The proposal escalates trends in mega-constellations, which raise concerns about orbital debris. SpaceX already operates thousands of Starlink satellites.
Blue Origin halted flights of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle, company officials confirmed. The pause signals potential setbacks in commercial space tourism. New Shepard has carried passengers on brief flights to the edge of space.
Separately, four astronauts returned early from the International Space Station due to a medical emergency, NASA said. The crew undocked and landed in January 2026, about one month ahead of schedule. This marked the first such evacuation in ISS history.
NASA astronaut Suni Williams retired after a nine-month stay on the station, extended by spacecraft issues, according to Universe Today. Williams commanded expeditions during her mission.
China's InterstellOr company began booking suborbital flights with celebrity passengers, sources reported. The firm aims to expand commercial space access in Asia.
Axiom Space plans its fifth private mission to the ISS later in 2026, company executives said. The mission involves private astronauts and reduces NASA's reliance on government crews.
L3Harris committed to new space initiatives, including support for Artemis, according to company statements. UARX Space developed power systems for orbital operations.
China launched the AlSat-3B satellite for Algeria in January 2026, state media reported. The launch used a Long March rocket.
These events highlight a shift toward commercial space activities alongside government programs. Artemis II validates hardware for sustainable lunar exploration, NASA officials noted. The program aims to enable Mars missions in the future.
Commercial reentries like Varda's address sustainability in orbit. Mega-constellations, such as SpaceX's plan, require deorbit strategies to manage debris, experts said.
ISS incidents underscore risks in human spaceflight. The recent evacuation followed protocols established after past emergencies, including Apollo 13 in 1970.
Artemis II echoes early space efforts, such as the 1961 Mercury-Redstone flight with chimpanzee Ham, historians noted.
NASA projects the Artemis program will spur technology transfers to Earth applications. Spinoffs include advancements in materials and life support systems.
The Space Launch System test on Jan. 31 precedes a potential launch window opening Feb. 8. Delays could push the mission later in February, officials cautioned.
Varda's successful landing completes a cycle of manufacturing in space and returning products to Earth. The W-5 mission tested the company's reentry capsule.
SpaceX's million-satellite filing seeks approval from the Federal Communications Commission. The constellation would provide data services from orbit.
Blue Origin did not specify reasons for halting New Shepard flights. The company previously conducted over 20 missions.
The ISS crew's early return involved medical care upon landing. NASA withheld details on the affected astronaut's condition.
Suni Williams logged extensive time in space across multiple missions. Her retirement follows contributions to station operations.
InterstellOr's suborbital bookings target high-profile clients. The company competes with U.S. firms in the tourism sector.
Axiom's fifth mission builds on four previous private trips to the ISS. Each carries paying customers and researchers.
L3Harris provides electronics for space vehicles. UARX focuses on propulsion and power.
The AlSat-3B launch supports Algeria's Earth observation needs. China has increased its role in international space cooperation.
Broader trends show U.S.-China rivalry in space. Artemis counters Chinese lunar ambitions, analysts said.
Orbital sustainability gains attention with growing satellite fleets. Small satellites often burn up on reentry, reducing debris risks, according to phys.org reports.
Human stories drive interest in these missions. Artemis II astronauts will experience views of the moon's far side.
NASA monitors weather for the SLS test. Successful completion clears the path for crew loading.
Varda plans more reentry missions. The company eyes pharmaceutical production in microgravity.
SpaceX's constellation could transform data storage. Regulators review potential interference with existing networks.
Blue Origin may resume flights after addressing issues. The halt affects planned tourist missions.
ISS operations continue with a reduced crew. NASA plans to replenish the station soon.
Williams' career spanned over two decades. She holds records for spacewalks by a woman.
InterstellOr's flights use reusable vehicles. Bookings include entertainment figures.
Axiom missions cost millions per seat. They fund station maintenance.
These developments occur as space budgets rise. Governments and companies invest billions annually.
Artemis II represents a milestone in lunar return. The mission paves the way for Artemis III, a planned landing in 2027 or later.
