The third attempt to launch a new unmanned US spacecraft to the Moon may have to be called off. This time around, a storm threatens to throw a wrench into NASA’s business.
In recent weeks, the launch has already been delayed twice due to technical issues. The next attempt is scheduled for next Tuesday.
The storm that could cause another cancellation is now located south of the Dominican Republic. The storm is expected to develop into a hurricane in the coming days and move toward Florida, where it will make its way.
After launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, the spacecraft is scheduled to orbit Earth for about 1.5 hours, then accelerate and begin to transit the Moon. In five to six weeks, it should be back on land with a splash of water in the Pacific Ocean.
The mission is called Artemis I and is the most powerful rocket ever built, the Space Launch System (SLS). At the top is full of the chariot that must go to the moon, Orion.
The rear, which provides power and propulsion, was developed by Europe. The solar panels that generate electricity come from Leiden.
If the launch cannot proceed on Tuesday, it will have to be pushed back to the second half of October.