NASA’s Artemis I moon mission postponed again as tropical storm Nicole threatens Florida

After multiple unsuccessful attempts earlier, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is again postpones the launch of its prestigious moon rocket, Artemis 1. The scheduled launch on November 14 is postponed due to tropical storm ‘Nicole’ expected to hit Florida in a few days. According to informed sources, the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft are likely to be parked at the launch pad during the period of the storm.

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, however, is designed to withstand high winds up to 136 km per hour and heavy rains. The spacecraft hatches have also been tested and secured to prevent rainwater seepage. In addition, NASA engineers have taken appropriate measures against possible damages due to the storm and have installed covers wherever necessary.

The revised launch date.

NASA is now targeting to launch ‘Artemis 1’ on November 16 within a two-hour window opening at 1.04 AM- EST. A backup launch program has been planned simultaneously for November 29, Saturday.

NASA aborted earlier ‘Artemis 1’ launch plans primarily due to fuel leaks.

FAQs:

1. What is the objective of launching ‘Artemis1’?
   NASA is working on an ambitious project of sending astronauts and other people to the moon by 2025. The ‘Artemis1’ is a test run of the project; an empty crew capsule will go around the moon before returning to the earth.
2. What is the cost of NASA’s project moon?
   The entire mission is estimated to cost around $4.1 billion.