NASA's gigantic SLS rocket for the Artemis II mission is now at the pad at LC 39-B. Four astronauts will fly the Orion crew capsule around the Moon and back to Earth during a mission currently scheduled to launch No Earlier Than, February 6.

SLS is enormous, 322 feet (98m) in height, 27.6 feet (8.4m) in diameter, weighing an incredible 5.75 million pounds (2.6 million kg) when fueled. SLS produces 8.8 million pounds (39.1 Meganewtons) of thrust at launch, through four RS-25 core stage engines (liquid oxygen/hydrogen fueled) and two solid rocket boosters.

There are some local spots in Titusville where you can see the rocket from a distance. The closest view is the BioLab Boat Ramp at just over 8 miles (13km). Space View Park is another option at 11.2 miles (18km), along with other parks along US-1 heading south from there. But if you want to see it up close, read on...

Click here to visit NASA's live YouTube feed of the SLS rocket on the pad now!

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex provides a couple of great ways to see the rocket up close, so if you're planning a day or more at KSCVC, you'll have a couple of options. The first is to take the bus out to the FREE 'Behind The Gates' tour, which terminates at the Apollo / Saturn V Center. This is included with your KSCVC admission, and includes a stop at the LC-39 Gantry. While you're at the Gantry, you'll be able to see the rocket at a distance of about 2.2 miles (3.5 km). After continuing on to the Apollo / Saturn V Center, grab a different perspective from the lawn outside the food court, at a distance of 3.3 miles (5.2 km). Click here for a guide that includes pictures of everything you can see on the BTG Tour.

Another option is the KSC Explore Tour, which includes everything on the BTG tour, and A LOT more! (click here to see my full guide with pictures) a $30* per person add-on to your day at KSCVC. It's the best money you'll spend on anything there in my opinion. BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW - This tour sells out! update 1/29/2026: as of this afternoon, there are a few tickets remaining for Feb 3. The next available Explore Tour tickets are not until Feb. 9!

• There is a $5.60 'convenience fee' if you purchase online, you can call and buy these tickets from a representative (855-433-4210) and bypass that fee.

• Sorry Annual Passholders, there's no discount on the KSC Explore Tour

Click Here for my Artemis II Launch Viewing Guide

WHEN WILL ARTEMIS II LAUNCH?

There are launch windows on February 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11. If Artemis cannot launch during that period, the next opportunity is March 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11, followed by opportunities in April 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Hopefully we'll see Artemis launch right at the opening of the first window, 9:41 pm on Friday, February 6. Launching a rocket to the moon sure would be a great way to start the weekend!

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image: NASA Marshall Spaceflight Center via flickr