Artemis I Briefing (Sept 27, 2022)
NASA has set sail to the moon again under the umbrella of Artemis I!
The team was initially prepared to launch the Space Launch System rocket (SLS) and Orion spacecraft on Aug 29, 2022, (from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida); due to a technical error, the mission was scrubbed and rescheduled on Sept 3, which also didn’t go as smoothly as planned.
The main error that surfaced during both attempts was a faulty temperature sensor that led to a liquid hydrogen leak. Engineers were running tests along the way to ensure a steady launching on the third attempt on Sept 27. Although NASA cleared the SLS rocket for a third attempt after testing it on Sept 21, the mission was scrubbed due to the hazardous hurricane Ian heading towards Florida as engineers decided to roll back the rocket off the launch pad. Once again, the launching is forcibly delayed and will not assemble till mid-October, the soonest, as stated by NASA.
Meanwhile, enthusiastic pro-space exploration individuals worldwide who might have felt a little blue can keep reading more about the Artemis missions and spread the knowledge.
Artemis I is one of several other missionaries devoted to space discovery around the Moon and beyond and other pros, including a growing lunar economy and aspiring new generations. The first sequel is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft around the Moon, followed by Artemis II, the first crewed flight test of the SLS and the Orion spacecraft around the Moon. Artemis III is focused on planning underway for a regular cadence of Artemis missions with crew on and around the Moon in an attempt to pursue futuristic missions from Moon to Mars.
Furthermore, NASA has explained the strategy behind linking the mentioned missions together. The following elements will allow humans to achieve a giant leap in space through Artemis.
- SLS: the most powerful rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and cargo to the Moon on a single mission;
- Orion Spacecraft: designed to carry astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit and back;
- Gateway: a spaceship pinned in lunar orbit where astronauts will transfer between Orion and the lander on regular Artemis missions.
- Artemis Base Camp: a place for astronauts to live and work on the Moon;
In summary, NASA hasn’t confirmed a specific date for the delayed third attempt to launch the rocket, but despite the wait, establishing a long-term presence on Moon is worth the wait.
Reem Mostapha 