NASA Calls Off Artemis I Rocket Launch To Moon On Sept 27 Due To Tropical Storm

NASA's much awaited Artemis 1 rocket launch has been called off yet again due to tropical storm that is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Florida.

NASA Artemis 1 Mission: NASA has, yet again, called off the Artemis 1 rocket launch that was scheduled for September 27, Tuesday from Kennedy Space Centre. What would have been a take 3 of its historic uncrewed mission to the Moon, has been scrubbed off due to a tropical storm that is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Florida, reports AFP News Agency.

It’s the third delay in the past month for the lunar-orbiting test flight featuring mannequins but no astronauts, a follow-up to NASA’s Apollo moon-landing program of a half-century ago. Hydrogen fuel leaks and other technical issues caused the previous scrubs.

Artemis I update: @NASA is foregoing a launch opportunity Tuesday, Sept. 27, and preparing for rollback, while continuing to watch the weather forecast associated with Tropical Storm Ian.

Learn more: https://t.co/A7M6KfWynN pic.twitter.com/Ul12GiPEte

— NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) September 24, 2022

ARTEMIS 1 ROCKET LAUCNH CALLED OFF, AGAIN

Currently churning in the Caribbean, Tropical Storm Ian is expected to become a hurricane by Monday and slam into Florida’s Gulf coast by Thursday. The entire state, however, is in the cone showing the probable path of the storm’s center — including NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Given the forecast uncertainties, NASA decided Saturday to forgo Tuesday’s planned launch attempt and instead prepare the 322-foot (98-meter) rocket for a possible return to its hangar. Managers will decide Sunday whether to haul it off the launch pad.

WILL ARTEMIS 1 LAUNCH AGAIN?

According to the Associated Press, if the rocket remains at the pad, NASA could try for an Oct. 2 launch attempt, the last opportunity before a two-week blackout period. But a rollback late Sunday or early Monday likely would mean a lengthy delay for the test flight, possibly pushing it into November.

ARTEMIS 1 MOON MISSION

The Space Launch System rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA. Assuming its first test flight goes well, astronauts would climb aboard for the next mission in 2024, leading to a two-person moon landing in 2025.