NASA plans to launch rocket Artemis I mission at the end of August

NASA plans to launch its Space Launch System rocket between August 23 and September 6. After the successful fuel test in June, the space agency chooses an early available moment to launch the rocket.

In an interview with Ars Technica Associate administrator Jim Free says that work on the SLS rocket was “incredible progress made” last week. NASA previously indicated that if the wet dress rehearsal goes well in June, the SLS rocket can be used for the Artemis I mission in August at the earliest. During a wet dress rehearsal, the SLS rocket is filled with fuel, after which the launch procedure is completed and aborted at the last moment. The test was successful, so it is possible to launch the rocket at the end of August.

Before the flight can begin, engineers must complete final preparations on the SLS rocket, including replacing a seal that led to a hydrogen leak during the June 20 test. Several attempts were made to make the fuel test go well, but they always failed. This was partly due to problems with the launch pad and a leakage during the refueling of the SLS rocket.

The Artemis I mission launches the SLS rocket and a crewless Orion capsule to the moon. In 2025, Artemis III is planned, in which astronauts will actually be taken to the moon in collaboration with SpaceX.