NASA makes fourth attempt to test Artemis I moon rocket in June

NASA will make another attempt in June to fuel its Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis I moon mission. That tells the space agency to American media. NASA had to abandon the previous three attempts to do so.

NASA tells including to Space.com that it has made progress on the problems that arose while conducting so-called wet dress rehearsals. The space agency made three attempts in April to conduct such a test. During a wet dress rehearsal, the Space Launch System rocket is filled with fuel. The launch procedure is then completed and aborted at the last moment.

In the previous three attempts, NASA encountered problems with the launch pad and a leak when refueling the SLS rocket. The next attempt is now expected in June, says the space agency. NASA expressed confidence that the fourth attempt will succeed, but also admits that it “may take more than one attempt” to successfully complete the test procedures.

If the test goes well in June, NASA says the SLS rocket can be used for the Artemis I mission in August at the earliest. That launch was previously planned for the spring, but has been postponed several times in recent months. The Artemis I mission launches the SLS rocket and a crewless Orion capsule to the moon. Artemis III is planned for 2025, in which astronauts will actually be taken to the moon in collaboration with SpaceX.

A render of the SLS rocket. Image via NASA