Artemis launch to be no sooner than Sept. 27

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA has adjusted the targeted date for the next launch opportunities for Artemis I. The agency has updated its request for a launch opportunity Sept. 27, with a potential backup opportunity of Oct. 2 under review.

The space agency has also moved the date for a cryogenic demonstration test to no earlier than Sept. 21.

Artemis I is the first integrated flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft beyond the moon.

The updated dates allow more time to prepare for the launch and the cryogenic demonstration test. The dates also allow managers to ensure teams have enough rest and to replenish supplies of cryogenic propellants.

NASA and SpaceX also continue to target no earlier than 12:45 p.m. EDT Oct. 3, for the launch of the agency’s Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station. Teams are working the upcoming commercial crew launch in parallel to the Artemis I planning and both launch schedules will continue to be assessed over the coming weeks.

NASA and SpaceX will review the Artemis I and Crew-5 prelaunch processing milestones to understand any potential impacts. The agency’s Crew-4 return will continue to be planned following a short handover on the space station with Crew-5.

Over the weekend, Artemis I teams completed repair work to the area of a hydrogen leak, reconnecting the ground- and rocket-side plates on the quick disconnect for the liquid hydrogen fuel feed line where two seals were replaced last week.

This week, teams have been conducting tests at ambient conditions to ensure there is a tight bond between the two plates. During the demonstration loading test technicians will be able to confirm the hydrogen leak has been repaired.

Specific times for the potential launch opportunities are:

• Sept 27: 70-minute launch window opens at 11:37 a.m. EDT; landing Nov. 5
• Under review – Oct. 2: 109-minute launch window opens at 2:52 p.m.; landing Nov. 11