Artemis 1 will not launch on September 27 due to Tropical Storm Ian
NASA can't take a break. After successfully completing a refueling test of the Space Launch System on Wednesday, the agency had hoped to move forward with Artemis 1 on September 27. Unfortunately, this date is no longer on the table due to Tropical Storm Ian.
The storm formed Friday evening over the central Caribbean. According to The Washington Post, meteorologists expect Ian to become a hurricane by Sunday before hitting Cuba and then heading for the Gulf Coast of Florida. On Saturday, it is unclear where Ian will make landfall once he arrives on the mainland. There is also uncertainty about the strength of a storm the state should expect, but the current above average warm ocean waters on the eastern Gulf Coast is not a good sign. /p>
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In anticipation of Ian turning into a hurricane, NASA decided to prepare the SLS for a safe return to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. The agency will make its final decision on Sunday. If the forecast deteriorates, the pullback will begin Sunday evening or early Monday morning. The plan gives NASA the flexibility to go ahead with another launch attempt if the weather situation changes.
If Artemis 1 cannot fly by October 3, the next earliest launch window opens on October 17. A return to the VAB would mean NASA could also test the rocket's flight termination system batteries. This would give NASA more flexibility around the October 17-October 31 launch window.
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NASA can't take a break. After successfully completing a refueling test of the Space Launch System on Wednesday, the agency had hoped to move forward with Artemis 1 on September 27. Unfortunately, this date is no longer on the table due to Tropical Storm Ian.
The storm formed Friday evening over the central Caribbean. According to The Washington Post, meteorologists expect Ian to become a hurricane by Sunday before hitting Cuba and then heading for the Gulf Coast of Florida. On Saturday, it is unclear where Ian will make landfall once he arrives on the mainland. There is also uncertainty about the strength of a storm the state should expect, but the current above average warm ocean waters on the eastern Gulf Coast is not a good sign. /p>
I
This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here, then reload the page to see it.
In anticipation of Ian turning into a hurricane, NASA decided to prepare the SLS for a safe return to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. The agency will make its final decision on Sunday. If the forecast deteriorates, the pullback will begin Sunday evening or early Monday morning. The plan gives NASA the flexibility to go ahead with another launch attempt if the weather situation changes.
If Artemis 1 cannot fly by October 3, the next earliest launch window opens on October 17. A return to the VAB would mean NASA could also test the rocket's flight termination system batteries. This would give NASA more flexibility around the October 17-October 31 launch window.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
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