SECOND ARTEMIS II WET DRESS REHEARSAL (WDR), Feb 19, 2026, KSC, simulated launch window opens 8:30 pm ET

NASA will conduct a second Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) for the Artemis II launch on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The nearly 50-hour test begins with a “call to stations” for the launch team on Tuesday, February 17, at 6:40 pm ET. The 4-hour simulated launch window opens at 8:30 pm ET on February 19. Between those times, the launch team will conduct a series of tests and fill the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and its upper stage, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), with liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX).

The first WDR on February 2 ended early because of liquid hydrogen leaks when fueling SLS.  NASA now has replaced some of the seals and conducted a “confidence test” on Thursday, February 12, that encountered a different problem, apparently a blocked filter in the line that feeds the LH2 into the rocket. They made enough progress, however, that they are ready to try the full-up test that includes a practice countdown to about 30 seconds before liftoff would occur. When the tests are done, they will drain the fuel from the rocket.

If the test goes well, the Artemis II crew could launch as early as March 6.

More details on this test are on NASA’s website.