NASA launches Artemis 1 between November 12-27 after delays due to Hurricane Ian

NASA said that Artemis 1 teams are accessing the potential impacts of Hurricane Ian and plan to launch the Moon mission between November 12 and 27.

NASA confirmed on October 1 that Artemis 1 is now scheduled to launch before mid-November. The Moon mission was scheduled to launch in September, however, as Hurricane Ian forced engineers to shelve the rocket, causing an unexpected delay. In the latest announcement, the agency said teams are now focusing on launch opportunities next month, when the launch window opens between November 12 and 27, excluding dates 20, 21 and 26.

Notably, the Space Launch System (SLS rocket), which will fly with Artemis 1 on its first mission, is currently in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for hurricane protection. NASA confirmed that there was no damage to the rocket's hardware and only minor water infiltration was found in some locations of the facility.

There may be some hardware changes to the rocket

'Next, engineers will extend the access platform around the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft to prepare for additional inspections and begin preparations for the next launch attempt, including restarting the Flight Termination System. possible', read the agency's statement. 27, NASA officials said the rocket may undergo some hardware changes and servicing because it has been in configuration with the Orion spacecraft longer than expected.

NASA said that going forward, the teams will reach out to additional work that needs to be done and finalize a specific launch date. "The focus on the November launch period will give Kennedy employees the time to address the needs of their families and homes after the storm and to identify the additional checkouts needed before teams can return to the launch pad," the statement said. Get.

According to the Artemis 1 calendar, there are 12 launch opportunities in November and 11 in December excluding dates 10, 14, 18 and 23. Earlier, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said he was confident about the Artemis 1 launch, but clarified that the SLS rocket would not lift until it was ready.