Nasa has returned its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, targeting 1 April for the first crewed flyby of the Moon in over 50 years.
The move, which began at 8pm local time and took up to 12 hours, involved transporting the 5,000-tonne stack 4 miles from the assembly building to launch pad 39B. Engineers will now conduct final preparations before the launch window opens.
Artemis 2, a 10-day mission, will carry three US astronauts and one Canadian astronaut around the Moon. It marks a key step towards returning humans to the lunar surface, a goal set by President Donald Trump but delayed by technical issues.
Recent problems included a helium flow issue and a liquid hydrogen leak that cut short a wet dress rehearsal. These forced Nasa to roll the rocket back for repairs, ruling out a March launch. The agency is now hopeful for an April launch, with several opportunities after 1 April.
The Artemis 2 crew entered quarantine in Houston on Wednesday as they prepare for liftoff.
