This Week in Space (Audio) TWiS 202: Artemis Imminent - Artemis II Back on the Pad!
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Mar 20, 2026 Mike Wall, Space.com spaceflight editor and veteran space journalist, gives an Artemis II launch status update. He explains why the rocket rolled back to LC-39B, the decision to skip another wet dress rehearsal, and the upcoming April launch windows. Brief comparisons to Apollo, solar radiation risks, lander readiness debates, Gateway uncertainty, and what to watch in the final prelaunch checks are also covered.
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Artemis II Pad Rollback And Launch Windows
- Artemis II returned to LC-39B after an upper-stage helium/seal issue was fixed in the VAB and NASA chose not to run another wet dress rehearsal.
- NASA will perform systems checks on the pad and aims for an April 1–6 window, with April 30 as backup.
Apollo Go Fever Versus Modern Caution
- Apollo-era decisions accepted higher risk driven by Cold War urgency, enabling rapid missions like Apollo 8 with limited test history.
- Mike Wall and Rod Pyle contrasted that go‑fever with today's more cautious, budget‑constrained NASA approach.
Enforce Tight Crew Quarantine Before Launch
- Keep crew quarantine strict and timed to launch operations to prevent last‑minute illnesses that could scrub the mission.
- Artemis II crew entered quarantine at JSC and will quarantine at KSC five days before planned launch.
