NASA announces a schedule adjustment for the crewed Artemis II mission, shifting the target launch window to March 2026 to complete final testing and hardware readiness. NASA has officially adjusted the launch schedule for its first crewed Artemis mission, announcing that the Artemis II flight which will send four astronauts around the Moon is now targeting a launch window opening in March 2026. The decision reflects additional time needed to complete critical pre-flight testing, hardware certifications, and ensure crew safety. The agency cited several factors for the adjustment, primarily related to the thorough review of data from the uncrewed Artemis I mission, ongoing work on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s core stage, and final integration and testing of the Orion spacecraft’s life support and crew safety systems. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the mission’s priority remains safety over schedule. “We are committed to flying when we are ready. The additional time allows our teams to work through final vehicle checkouts and implement lessons learned, ensuring a successful and safe mission for our...