T-minus and holding; NASA scrubs launch of Artemis I

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August 29, 2022

Artemis I is scheduled to launch at 7:33 a.m. today, Central Time (NASA image)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Fuel leaks have forced NASA to scrub the launch of Artemis I this morning.

NASA said the earliest availability for a launch was Friday afternoon.

Artemis I will be the first in a series of increasingly complex missions to build a long-term human presence at the Moon for decades to come.

The primary goals for Artemis I are to demonstrate Orion’s systems in a spaceflight environment and ensure a safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis II.

To watch the livestream, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21X5lGlDOfg

Mission Facts:

Launch date: Sept. 1
Mission Duration: 42 days, 3 hours, 20 minutes
Destination: distant retrograde orbit around the Moon
Total mission miles: approximately 1.3 million miles
Targeted splashdown site: Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego
Return speed: Up to 25,000 mph

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