NASA's next-generation moon rocket was due on Thursday to make a highly anticipated, slow-motion journey from an assembly plant to its launch pad in Florida for a final round of tests in the coming weeks that will determine how soon the spacecraft can fly.
Rollout of the towering Space Launch System rocket with its Orion crew capsule perched on top marks a key milestone in U.S. plans for renewed lunar exploration after years of setbacks, and the public's first glimpse of a space vehicle more than a decade in development.
"We are in very good shape and ready to proceed with this roll on Thursday," Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, said earlier in the week as she briefed reporters on NASA's progress. Engineers plan to fully load the SLS core fuel tanks with super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant and conduct a simulated launch countdown - stopping seconds before the rocket's four R-25 engines would ignite - in a top-to-bottom evaluation of the entire system.The outcome will determine when NASA will attempt its first launch of the rocket and capsule combination, a mission designated Artemis I.
But NASA has several steps to take before it gets there, starting with a successful Artemis I flight, planned as an uncrewed journey 40,000 miles beyond the moon and back. NASA has said it was reviewing potential launch windows in April and May, but the timeline could slip depending on results of the dress rehearsal.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Latest NASA GIF showing change in Earth's temperature shocks internetThe 'awesome visualization' shows global surface temperature change between 1880–2021.
Baca lebih lajut »
Russia says it won't leave a NASA astronaut stranded aboard the ISSRussia's state-backed news agency TASS revealed on March 14 that NASA astronaut Colonel Mark Vande Hei would be safely returned to Earth from the ISS.
Baca lebih lajut »
NASA Preparing to Roll Out Its SLS Megarocket Later This WeekThe 322-foot-tall rocket will begin its 4-mile journey to the launch pad on Thursday, March 17.
Baca lebih lajut »
12 NASA-Approved Plants That Actually Improve Air QualityNo space shuttle required—just light, water, and a little TLC.
Baca lebih lajut »
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei breaks record for longest US spaceflight340 days and counting...
Baca lebih lajut »
NASA video highlights first rollout of its mega moon rocket | Digital TrendsNASA is about to send its next-generation rocket to the launchpad for the first time and has released a trailer highlighting its maiden mission.
Baca lebih lajut »