NASA's colossal next-generation rocketship was set for its long-awaited debut launch on Monday on an uncrewed, six-week test flight around the moon and back, marking the first mission of the space agency's Artemis program, successor to Apollo.
The 32-story-tall, two-stage Space Launch System rocket and its Orion crew capsule were due for blast-off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, during a two-hour launch window opening at 8:33 a.m. EDT .
One issue cited by NASA officials last week as a potential show stopper for Monday's launch would be any sign during rocket fueling that a newly repaired hydrogen line fitting had failed to hold. About 90 minutes after launch, the rocket's upper stage will thrust Orion out of Earth orbit on course for a 42-day flight that brings it to within 60 miles of the lunar surface before sailing 40,000 miles beyond the moon and back to Earth. The capsule is expected to splash down in the Pacific on Oct. 10.
"That's our highest priority that we have to accomplish," lead flight director Rick LaBrode said of demonstrating the heat shield's ability to withstand re-entry friction, expected to raise temperatures outside the capsule to nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit . "That's what's going to keep the capsule together and save the astronauts.
If successful, Artemis I will pave the way to a first crewed SLS-Orion mission, an out-and-back flight around the moon designated Artemis II, as early as 2024, to be followed a year or more later by an Artemis III journey to the lunar surface.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
NASA's Artemis I launch has the world excited for MondayArtemis I is scheduled to launch from the Space Agencies Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, August 29. This exploration will be the second mission to the Moon since 1972, when its biggest rocket, the Saturn V, took Apollo astronauts to the Moon.
Baca lebih lajut »
Artemis moon rocket countdown proceeds smoothly toward Monday maiden launchEngineers say multiple lightning strikes near the launch pad Saturday caused no apparent problems.
Baca lebih lajut »
NASA set for Artemis 1 launch of mega moon rocket Monday, the first mission of its kind since 1972Artemis I, the first human-class mission to be aimed at the moon since 1972, has received its license to fly, NASA officials said this week.
Baca lebih lajut »
Artemis Launch Weather May Not Cooperate Monday Morning | The Weather ChannelWeather plays a major role in every rocket launch. Artemis 1 is one of the biggest in history. - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com
Baca lebih lajut »
NASA's Artemis I Mission: When and How to Watch the Rocket LaunchHere's when and where to watch NASA launch the Artemis I test flight to the moon.
Baca lebih lajut »
Lightning strikes Artemis I launchpad ahead of Monday launch | Digital TrendsAs NASA prepares for the first launch of its new Space Launch System rocket on Monday, lightning has struck the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center.
Baca lebih lajut »