NASA Cancels Artemis Launch After Engine Issues; Discusses Relaunch Plans
NASA had to make a difficult decision this morning (August 29) and cancel the planned launch for Artemis I, the first unmanned mission to the moon and back to Earth.
According to CNN, the mission was called off after the team was unable to work through an issue with one of the rocket’s four engines.
“It’s too early to say what the options are,” Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager at a NASA press conference, shared with press. “We really need time to look at all the information, all the data. We’re going to play all nine innings here. We’re not ready to give up yet.”
Click inside to read more about NASA’s relaunch plans for Artemis I…
While they’re not ready to confirm that they will plan the launch again for Friday, September 2, there is that hope in place.
The next launch window is September 2, opening at 12:48 p.m. ET and closing at 2:48 p.m. ET. The next window beyond Friday is Tuesday, September 5, opening at 5:12 p.m. ET and closing at 6:42 p.m. ET.
As controllers are continuing tests on what the main issue was, some of the things that they’ve noticed are is an issue within the bleed system, and one with the vent valve at the inner tank.
While engine issues were at the forefront, the weather also came into play, too.
“There were also a series of weather issues throughout the launch window. We would have been a no-go for weather at the beginning of the window due to precipitation. Later on in the window, we would have been no-go for lightning within the launchpad area,” Sarafin added.
Stay tuned for a confirmation on the relaunch plans.
While we hoped to see the launch of Artemis I today, the attempt provided valuable data as we test the most powerful rocket in history. Our commitment to the Artemis Program remains firm, and we will return to the moon.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 29, 2022
