CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – I was interviewed by WESH 2 NBC News Orlando about NASAs Artemis II preparations leading up to launch that’s now scheduled for the evening of NET 6 February, 2026 and what’s ahead in space for 2026
Artemis II involves the 1st human return to the moon in >50 years!!
NASA must receive full funding to accomplish critical Artemis III human lunar landing and maintain leadership in space & science threatened by Presidents Trump devastating NASA budget cuts that help Communist China
WESH 2 NBC story and video with my comments as editor and founder of Space UpClose news website can be viewed here:
https://www.wesh.com/article/space-coast-record-year-artemis-ii-prepares-launch/69895356
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Space Coast rockets toward record year as Artemis II prepares for launch
Story by Meghan Moriarity
The Space Coast had a record number of rocket launches this year, exceeding 100 orbital missions and shattering previous records.
But there’s even more on the way in 2026.
“The top story will absolutely be Artemis II,” research chemist Ken Kremer said.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is preparing for one of its most ambitious missions in decades. Artemis II is scheduled to launch in early February. The historic flight will carry four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby to the moon’s far side, preparing for humans to eventually return to the moon on Artemis III.
Crew-12 is also scheduled to launch in February from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station.
“There could be two momentous human launches in February, just about a week apart,” Kremer said.
Artemis II will take off from Launch Pad 39B. Another major launch being watched is SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
WESH 2 visited Starbase, Texas, where the mega-rocket is currently being tested. It is expected to be used for deep-space missions, including supporting NASA’s Artemis III, when humans will land on the moon. Starship is targeting a launch from the Space Coast by the end of 2026.
“It’s way behind schedule. SpaceX and Elon Musk have failed to produce what they were supposed to do. NASA just announced another delay to 2028 at the earliest for Artemis III,” Kremer said. “I think we need a simplified approach, and that’s where Blue Origin comes in.”
Blue Origin also has contracts for lunar landers. There’s speculation the private company could pivot some of its lander work toward Artemis III, especially if Starship falls short.
Additionally, newly sworn-in NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will have to make some big decisions this year regarding NASA’s budget.
“Congress is much more supportive, so what Isaacman needs to do is get Trump on board, support full funding for NASA and NASA science,” Kremer said. “Because if they don’t do that, China will beat us to the moon.”
The Space Coast had a record number of rocket launches this year, exceeding 100 orbital missions and shattering previous records.
But there’s even more on the way in 2026.
“The top story will absolutely be Artemis II,” research chemist Ken Kremer said.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is preparing for one of its most ambitious missions in decades. Artemis II is scheduled to launch in early February. The historic flight will carry four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby to the moon’s far side, preparing for humans to eventually return to the moon on Artemis III.
Crew-12 is also scheduled to launch in February from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station.
“There could be two momentous human launches in February, just about a week apart,” Kremer said.
Artemis II will take off from Launch Pad 39B. Another major launch being watched is SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
WESH 2 visited Starbase, Texas, where the mega-rocket is currently being tested. It is expected to be used for deep-space missions, including supporting NASA’s Artemis III, when humans will land on the moon. Starship is targeting a launch from the Space Coast by the end of 2026.
“It’s way behind schedule. SpaceX and Elon Musk have failed to produce what they were supposed to do. NASA just announced another delay to 2028 at the earliest for Artemis III,” Kremer said. “I think we need a simplified approach, and that’s where Blue Origin comes in.”
Blue Origin also has contracts for lunar landers. There’s speculation the private company could pivot some of its lander work toward Artemis III, especially if Starship falls short.
Additionally, newly sworn-in NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will have to make some big decisions this year regarding NASA’s budget.
“Congress is much more supportive, so what Isaacman needs to do is get Trump on board, support full funding for NASA and NASA science,” Kremer said. “Because if they don’t do that, China will beat us to the moon.”
Ken Kremer TV interviews:
Dec 24/25 Fox 35 Orlando: my comments about what the confirmation of Jared Isaacman means for NASA ! Impact of trump devastating budget cuts to science and space exploration missions ? + whats up with Tory Bruno departing ULA ?? My thoughts on why snd what might be ahead ??
story/video: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/space-coast-shakeup-jared-isaacman-confirmed-nasa-chief-while-ula-ceo-resigns
video: https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/fmc-olfsg4foeyrzdqug
Dec 16/17 WESH 2 NBC News Orlando: my commentary about Chinese rocket companies seeking to replicate SpaceX starship and why America could lose leadership in space and science
story/video: https://www.wesh.com/article/chinese-companies-copying-spacex-starship-rockets/69773602
Dec 17/18 WESH 2 NBC News Orlando: Watch comments about what’s the impact of billionaire & 2x space flyer Jared Isaacman being confirmed as next NASA Administrator – today by the US senate. He must work to restore full funding to NASA and NASA science ! Reverse trumps devastating budget cuts!
Dec 2: While on the Venezia cruise I did an interview with WESH 2 NBC News Orlando about SpaceX receiving approval To build Starship launch pads at pad 37 on the Florida space coast
https://wesh.com/article/spacex-approval-starship-launch-pads-cape-canaveral/69599720
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