Topline
The launch of NASA’s Artemis I to the moon was called off Monday morning due to malfunctions with the uncrewed spacecraft and subpar weather conditions, an unexpected delay ahead of the highly anticipated 8:33 ET scheduled launch.
A wide shot of the spacecraft ahead of Monday’s scheduled launch.
Key Facts
Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson scrubbed the Monday launch at about 8:35 ET, NASA spokesperson Derrol Nail said on NASA’s livestream of the launch.
The postponement was due to an “engine bleed that couldn’t be remedied,” Nail said.
The launch was previously under an “unplanned hold” due to the issue with the third engine, NASA tweeted 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled launch, following reports the launch would be called off for Monday entirely.
The malfunction was discovered after the engine did not display the right temperature during an engine bleed test, according to Nail.
Crucial Quote
The rocket is currently in a “stable configuration” and engineers will conduct further tests on the engine, Nail said.
What To Watch For
When Artemis I actually launches. The next possible launch date is Friday at 12:48 ET, though Nail noted the nature of the malfunction will determine if the launch will face further delay.
Key Background
The launch was the first of five scheduled as part of the Artemis program aimed at bringing NASA astronauts to the moon in 2025 for the first time since 1972. The program is designed to explore the feasibility of human life in outer space, specifically Mars. NASA’s Space Launch System rocket built for the Artemis program is the most powerful rocket ever. Each Artemis launch costs an estimated $4.1 billion, while NASA estimates it will spend $93 billion in total on the program.
Further Reading
NASA’s Headed Back To The Moon And Here Are Innovators That Will Help It Get There (Forbes)
NASA Starts Countdown To Historic Artemis Launch (Forbes)
Why NASA Is Going Back to the Moon (New York Times)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/08/29/nasas-artemis-is-monday-launch-scrubbed/