It’s not known when the next launch date is planned for. Source: NASA.
Crews at NASA are undertaking checks of the Artemis I moon rocket after it was left out on the launchpad while tropical storm Nicole hit.
NASA’s Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Jim Free said now the majority of the storm has passed that crews are heading out to assess and potential damage.
“Our team is conducting initial visual check-outs of the rocket, spacecraft, and ground system equipment with the cameras at the launch pad,” said Mr Free.
“Camera inspections show very minor damage such as loose caulk and tears in weather coverings.
“The team will conduct additional onsite walk down of the inspections of the vehicle soon.”
He said that winds of up to 71 knots were recorded on the launchpad but the rocket is fully capable of withstanding such winds.
Update on our #Artemis I mission: pic.twitter.com/7F6brN86KF
— Jim Free (@JimFree) November 10, 2022
With the Artemis I moon rocket worth over USD$4 billion, many are wondering why it wasn’t moved into a bunker for protection. Mr Free explained that NASA analysts reviewed masses of data to come to the decision.
“With the unexpected change to the forecast, returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building was deemed to be too risky in high winds, and the team decided the launch pad was the safest place for the rocket to weather the storm.”
Tropical storm Nicole hasn’t been the only hurdle that’s pushed back the launch of Artemis I.
August 29 was the original launch date but was delayed several days because of an engine bleed.
Experts said the next date for launch would be September 2, however the mission was plagued with more issues. At the end of September, Category 4 Hurricane Ian hit Florida with NASA forced to move the space launch system (SLS) into the engineering workshop.
The Artemis missions are hoping to eventually return humans to the moon. Artemis I will serve as a test flight for future missions.
