NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, secured to the mobile launcher, is seen inside the Vehicle Assembly building as preparations continue for roll out to Launch Pad 39B, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, secured to the mobile launcher, is seen inside the Vehicle Assembly building as preparations continue for roll out to Launch Pad 39B, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber

In an update Monday evening NASA said it was pushing back the roll back of the Artemis 2 rocket to no earlier than Wednesday, Feb. 25 due to weather.

NASA said “cold temperatures and high winds are expected Tuesday, and rolling on Feb. 25, gives teams enough time to complete preparations at the launch pad that were limited today by high winds in the area.”

If the teams complete preparations for the roll back it should Wednesday and the approximate 6.5 km journey will take about 12 hours.

Once the rocket is back inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians will install platforms so that they can access the area on the rocket where the helium flow issue is located.

Marc Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor, podcaster and publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media. Marc has 30+ years working in various roles in media, space sector not-for-profits, and internet content development.

Marc started his first Internet creator content business in 1992 and hasn't looked back. When not working Marc loves to explore Canada, the world and document nature through his photography.

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