August 29, 2022
The launch of #Artemis I is no longer happening today as teams work through an issue with an engine bleed.
NASA in a statement on Twitter. Artemis I, the most powerful space rocket to date, had been scheduled to lift off this morning; NASA reported today’s launch attempt has been “scrubbed.”
Why It Matters: Artemis I is the first major step in NASA's attempt to put astronauts back on the moon for the first time in nearly 50 years. NASA had a two-hour window today in which they needed to launch the rocket, but the launch director halted the mission following mechanical and technical glitches. They will try again, possibly as early as this Friday, September 2.
- Looking ahead: The rocket, which had three test dummies on board, is designed to propel a capsule into orbit around the moon. Once NASA safely completes the launch, the capsule will be in space for 42 days. NASA hopes to send four astronauts around the moon as soon as 2024.
- This is a developing story. "We must wait to see what shakes out from their test data," said launch commentator Derrol Nail.
NASA's Tweet announcing the delayed launch
Fuel leaks force NASA to scrub launch of new moon rocket (Associated Press)
by Jenna Lee,
