NASA rolling back Artemis I tonight due to Hurricane Ian

—

September 26, 2022

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA will roll back the Artemis I Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building tonight. First motion is targeted for 11 CDT, the space agency said.

Managers met this morning and made the decision based on the latest weather predictions associated with Hurricane Ian, after additional data gathered overnight did not show improving expected conditions for the Kennedy Space Center area.

The decision allows time for employees to address the needs of their families and protect the integrated rocket and spacecraft system.

The time of first motion also is based on the best predicted conditions for rollback to meet weather criteria for the move.

Recent in Space

‘America’s rocket’: How Huntsville is powering the Artemis moon missions

Mecca Musick — 15 hours ago

When NASA’s Artemis astronauts strap in and head toward the Moon, the rocket carrying them will rise on the shoulders of Huntsville. “This is America’s rocket,” said David Beaman, acting […]

NASA adds new mission to Artemis campaign

Staff reports — 2 weeks ago

NASA is accelerating its Artemis campaign, adding a new mission in 2027 and committing to at least one lunar surface landing every year beginning in 2028. The update on Friday […]