According to NASA, the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket will soon launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The three potential launch dates that the agency is aiming for are Aug. 29, Sept. 2, and Sept. 5.
What Is Artemis I Mission and How Important Is It
Ars Technica noted that the purpose of the Artemis I mission is to test the SLS rocket's capabilities and show that Orion can return from the Moon and survive re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. In 2025, if everything goes according to plan, Artemis II, a human flight around the Moon, may take place.
Possible Launch Dates of the Artemis I Moon Rocket
The Orion spacecraft, which will go unmanned and travel into lunar orbit for many weeks before returning to Earth and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, would be able to allow a "long-class" mission from each of the three launch windows, as per Ars Technica.
The following are the launch times and mission durations:
Aug. 29: 8:33 a.m. ET, 42 days, Oct. 10 landing
Sept. 2: 12:48 p.m. ET, 39 days, Oct. 11 landing
Sept. 5: 5:12 p.m. ET, 42 days, Oct. 17 landing
Various Tests To Be Done Before the SLS Rocket and Orion Spacecraft Officially Launch
As previously mentioned, NASA is targeting three possible launch opportunities for the uncrewed test flight around the moon that serves as a keystone in testing for future human missions. These dates are pending repairs and tweaks, NASA officials said in a teleconference with the media held on Wednesday.
Prior to launch, NASA should make sure that all necessary systems are authorized for launch, lunar flight, and splashdown on Earth, according to Space.com. Before the SLS stack exits the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work is still being done to address problems that were discovered during the wet dress rehearsal.
During the call on Wednesday, NASA representatives stated that they are making good work on these repairs but are moving slowly in order to make sure Artemis I is ready before allowing it to leave the building.
Space.com said that it won't be permitted to travel to the pad until the SLS stack successfully passes those tests inside the VAB, which may happen as early as Aug. 18 if all goes according to plan.
Where Is the SLS and Orion Spacecraft Right Now
The SLS rocket and Orion are currently located within Kennedy Space Center's VAB, as per Ars Technica. The main task left is turning on the rocket's flight termination system, which would be programmed to destroy the spacecraft if it flies off course after launch.
NASA and the SLS rocket's several contractors work on last close-out activities. According to the internal plan of NASA, this activity will start on Aug. 11.
Related Article : NASA's Artemis 1 Moon Mission Launch Date Might Be Set in August
