Nasa aims to send astronauts to the moon in March after successful test
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 20, 2026
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NASA is on track to send astronauts to the moon in March 2024 following a successful rocket fueling test, marking a significant milestone in its Artemis II mission. The agency’s administrator, Jared Isaacman, announced that launch teams have made “major progress” since a previous rehearsal was disrupted by hydrogen leaks earlier this month. The latest test, completed without major issues on Thursday night, is seen as a crucial step toward NASA’s goal of returning humans to the lunar environment.
The Artemis II mission, which aims to conduct a lunar fly-around, could now launch as early as March 6 from Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre. The mission will carry four astronauts: three Americans and one Canadian. To ensure they are ready for liftoff, the crew has entered a mandatory two-week health quarantine starting Friday night. This precaution is standard procedure to minimize the risk of any potential health issues before an astronaut mission.
NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, which will propel the astronauts on their journey, features massive RS-25 engines that were recently showcased near the countdown clock at Kennedy Space Centre. However, the agency faces a tight window for launches in March, with only five days available before standing down until April. This limited timeframe underscores the importance of completing all necessary preparations and tests to ensure a successful mission.
The Artemis II mission is part of NASA’s broader effort to reassert its leadership in space exploration and pave the way for future missions, including eventual crewed landings on the moon. While the focus remains
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026