NASA's next-generation rocket system, designed to carry spacecraft to the moon as part of the Artemis mission, has arrived at its launch pad for the first time.
NASA’s next-generation rocket system, designed to carry spacecraft to the moon as part of the Artemis mission, has arrived at its launch pad for the first time. The Space Launch System , standing at 212 feet tall, arrived at Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, March 18, following a 10.5-hour journey from its assembly building.
The rocket was topped with the Orion spacecraft, ready for testing before the uncrewed Artemis I mission to the moon. Subsequent Artemis missions will be crewed, with the aim to put humans back on the moon by 2025. “From this sacred and historical place, humanity will soon embark on a new era of exploration,” said NASA administrator Bill Nelson in a statement. “Artemis I will demonstrate NASA’s commitment and capacity to extend humanity’s presence on the Moon — and beyond.
To reach the launch pad, the SLS was mounted to a machine called a crawler which transported the 3.5 million pound rocket from the site’s Vehicle Assembly Building. It left the building at 5:47 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 17, and arrived at 4:15 a.m. ET on Friday, March 18. The rocket is now ready for its final test, called a wet dress rehearsal, in which the launch sequence is carried out and fuel is loaded into the rocket’s tanks. The engines won’t actually ignite, however. If all goes well, the rocket could launch for real in May this year.
“Rolling out of the Vehicle Assembly Building is an iconic moment for this rocket and spacecraft, and this is a key milestone for NASA,” said Tom Whitmeyer, deputy associate administrator for Common Exploration Systems Development at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Now at the pad for the first time, we will use the integrated systems to practice the launch countdown and load the rocket with the propellants it needs to send Orion on a lunar journey in preparation for launch.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASA shares majestic images of orbital sunrise from ISS | Digital TrendsNASA has shared a set of stunning images showing an orbital sunrise from the InternationalSpaceStation 262 miles above our planet.
Read more »
NASA to tests 'most powerful rocket' for Artemis launchNASA's $37 billion rocket system aims to return astronauts to Moon and establish a long-term lunar colony as a precursor to eventual human exploration of Mars.
Read more »
NASA: ArtemisThe rollout of the NASAArtemis I rocket is happening. Long-term lunar exploration is within reach. You coming? Join our journey to the Moon: Submit your name to be flown aboard the NASA_Orion spacecraft.
Read more »
Photos: NASA rolls Artemis 1 moon mission to the launch pad for 1st timeSee images of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule on the move.
Read more »
NASA preps Artemis I rocket for lunar launchAs the integrated stack, which sits on a mobile launcher, emerged on Thursday, it became the first moon-bound rocket to leave the building since Apollo 17 in 1972, or 50 years ago — also the …
Read more »
Eddie Vedder joins forces with NASA for 'Invincible' Artemis music videoRock on to the moon with the Pearl Jam frontman and NASA.
Read more »