NASA's Artemis II Crew Practices Countdown for Lunar Mission

The Artemis II mission crew rehearsed their launch countdown in a significant step towards NASA's lunar ambitions. On December 20, 2025, the four astronauts, including Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen, boarded their Orion spacecraft inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center.

This countdown demonstration test, or CDDT, simulated the launch day timeline, allowing the crew to suit up and enter the spacecraft. The rehearsal concluded with a simulated countdown stopping at T-29 seconds, marking a crucial moment in the mission's preparation.

This CDDT process was delayed multiple times due to various issues, including a thermal barrier problem and communication difficulties. Following this rehearsal, the Artemis II mission aims to pave the way for future crewed missions to Mars, with a launch currently scheduled no earlier than February 6, 2026, and no later than April 2026, according to Spaceflight Now.

NASA emphasizes that Artemis will not only facilitate exploration of the Moon but also contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits.