NASA’s plan to send astronauts around the Moon looks more promising after a successful fueling test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The test took place Thursday night at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was the second time NASA attempted to load propellants into the rocket, and this time, everything went smoothly without major leaks.

Second Fueling Test Shows Positive Results

The first test on February 2 encountered issues, including hydrogen gas leaks from the main fueling line. To fix this, technicians replaced seals at the launch pad. During Thursday’s test, those new seals held up, allowing NASA to fully fuel the rocket within the planned timeline. This progress has increased confidence among senior managers about the upcoming launch.

NASA officials are optimistic that these improvements will help ensure a smooth launch. Lori Glaze, NASA’s acting associate administrator for exploration programs, said that the fixes performed well and that the rocket was fully fueled without significant issues. This success brings NASA closer to the goal of launching the Artemis II mission, which could happen as soon as March 6.

Preparing for the Artemis II Mission

The Artemis II mission will be the first crewed flight around the Moon for NASA since the Apollo program. Four astronauts will be aboard the SLS rocket, orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth. The upcoming launch is considered a major step toward future lunar exploration and potential missions to Mars.

NASA has been working for years to develop the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft for this purpose. The recent fueling test is an important milestone because it demonstrates that the rocket’s systems are functioning properly and ready for flight. If the launch occurs as planned, it will mark a significant achievement for NASA and its Artemis program.

While there are still some technical checks and preparations to complete, the successful fueling test has provided a much-needed boost in confidence. Engineers and managers are now more confident that the Artemis II mission can proceed on schedule, bringing NASA closer to its goal of returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence there.

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• https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/02/nasa-reports-no-significant-leaks-in-artemis-ii-fueling-test-eyes-march-6-launch/