What is the SLS wet dress rehearsal?

It is a full countdown practice where teams chill down lines and load the rocket with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to flight levels, run through terminal-count milestones, and then safely detank. The exercise validates hardware, sensors, procedures, and teamwork before the real launch, reducing schedule risk and improving mission readiness.

Why does NASA still use liquid hydrogen despite leaks?

Liquid hydrogen provides high performance for the rocket’s engines, which helps lift heavier payloads. It is hard to handle because the molecules are tiny and very cold, so leaks are a risk if seals are not perfect. Strict loading procedures and better sealing aim to control that risk.

What signals should we look for after the rehearsal?

Look for reports of stable pressures and temperatures, no sustained hydrogen leak alarms, and a completed terminal-count sequence. If NASA confirms those outcomes and a smooth detank, the March 6–11 Artemis II launch window remains realistic. Any scrub due to leaks suggests more work and a later opportunity.

How does this impact investors in Singapore?

The outcome affects timelines and spending across the broader aerospace supply chain. A clean test supports steadier work and deliveries, which can lift sector sentiment. Delays can shift cash flows and introduce volatility. We suggest diversified exposure to the theme and careful position sizing around key NASA milestones.

Global Market Insights

Artemis II SLS Rehearsal on February 19: Hydrogen Fix Sets March Window

ByDanny Kontos February 19, 2026

NASA’s SLS wet dress rehearsal on February 19 is a key gate for the Artemis II launch. Engineers replaced seals and updated ground equipment after hydrogen leak repair. If the countdown, fueling, and detanking run clean, a March 6–11 window remains viable for the Orion spacecraft and crew. We explain what success looks like, how schedule risk flows through contracts and vendors, and what investors in Singapore should watch across the aerospace supply chain and related funds.