NASA's Space Launch System rocket is visible on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center ahead of its April 1 launch for the Artemis II mission. The rocket will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon, marking the first human mission near the moon since 1972. Public viewing opportunities exist at several parks along the Indian River in Titusville and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, offering unobstructed views of the rocket on the launch pad.
The SLS rocket rolled to Pad 39B in late January after delays caused by hydrogen leaks during a prelaunch test. The rocket was temporarily moved back to the Vehicle Assembly Building in late February due to a helium flow obstruction. Repairs were completed by March 20, and the rocket was returned to the launch pad. The mission will send commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency on the flight.
Artemis II's test flight will clear the way for Artemis IV, which aims to land humans on the moon again in 2028. The Artemis program previously launched an uncrewed SLS rocket in late 2022, though the Orion spacecraft encountered issues during reentry. No further details about the 2022 mission's problems were provided in the source material.
Viewers in Titusville can see the rocket from parks facing the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral launch pads. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex also offers guided viewing options. The rocket remains on display until its launch, giving locals and tourists a rare chance to see the vehicle before it lifts off.