Technical issue The audience was robbed in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and around the country of something Americans haven’t seen in more than 50 years: a launch to kick off NASA’s manned lunar program.
The NASA rocket, complete with an Orion capsule without a crew, was set to launch the Artemis I mission on Monday from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, the same launch site that witnessed the mission. Apollo put humans on the moon in the 1960s and 1970s. Minutes ago engine cooling issues, fuel leaks and other concerns causing NASA to stop the launch.
The space agency announced it would try again on Saturday afternoon.
“US Space Force meteorologists launched into space Delta 45 predicting favorable weather conditions for Saturday,” NASA said on its website. “While showers are expected, they are predicted to be sporadic within the launch window.”
Graphics:After 50 years, the US takes the first step back to the moon with the launch of Artemis I
NASA says Artemis I is the first in a series of missions over the coming years with the goal of sending astronauts to the Moon and laying the groundwork for sending humans to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis I Moon Launch Schedule
NASA has determined next two hour launch window is Saturday afternoon, starting at 2:17 p.m. ET.
The mission to orbit the moon and return is expected to take 39 days. Splashdown for Orion spacecraft scheduled for October 11, according to NASA.
Artemis SLS and Apollo Saturn V:How does the moon mission rocket compare?
Where to watch NASA’s Artemis I moon launch: Stream, TV info
USA TODAY will live stream the premiere on multiple platforms, including YouTube. Coverage begins Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
NASA will coverage on its television channel, NASA TV, begins at 5:45 a.m. ET as crews prepare the rocket for launch throughout the morning. It will also have live coverage on its website.
What’s on board Artemis I? Snoopy, Legos and ‘manikins’
