![Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. After Monday's scrub due to engine-related issues, NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday with weather forecast to be 60% favorable for lift-off. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday, with NASA forecasting an 80% chance of launch. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain caused by Hurricane Ian, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain caused by Hurricane Ian, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it arrives at Launch Pad 39-B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![Crushed river rocks are seen on the crawlerway leading to...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
Crushed river rocks are seen on the crawlerway leading to Launch Pad 39-B after crawler transporter-2 (CT-2) rolled NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard atop the mobile launcher out to the pad, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![In this 25-second exposure a vehicle passes NASA's Space Launch...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky/(NASA/Joel Kowsky)
In this 25-second exposure a vehicle passes NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard atop the mobile launcher as it is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA made the decision to rollback based on the latest weather predictions associated with Hurricane Ian.
![NASA staff talk with Orion program engineers in front of...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA staff talk with Orion program engineers in front of the Artemis II crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a mission to orbit the moon in the future. The unmanned Artemis I is scheduled to launch from KSC at 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Visitors check out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad 39-B...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Visitors check out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![An Orion program engineer sits at the of the Artemis...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
An Orion program engineer sits at the of the Artemis II crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a mission to orbit the moon in the future. The unmanned Artemis I is scheduled to launch from KSC at 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., carrying the Orion spacecraft on a mission to orbit the moon, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![In a photo provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky/AP
In a photo provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System rocket, with the Orion spacecraft aboard, is atop the mobile launcher as it rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B, late Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. Launch of the uncrewed flight test is targeted for Nov. 14.
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Scott Wilson, manager of production operations for the Orion program,...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Scott Wilson, manager of production operations for the Orion program, talks about the Artemis II crew capsule on the eve of the launch of Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the Artemis I unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Keegan Barber/(NASA/Keegan Barber)
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39-B as teams configure systems for rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA made the decision to rollback based on the latest weather predictions associated with Hurricane Ian.
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Keegan Barber/(NASA/Keegan Barber)
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39-B, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![With flags flapping in the breeze, Artemis I sits at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With flags flapping in the breeze, Artemis I sits at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Saturday, September 3, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt of NASA's moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis I sits at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis I sits at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday night, November 15, 2022, ahead of a planned early Wednesday launch. As of 10pm, a team of technicians was investigating a hydrogen leak on the launch structure that has halted fueling. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With the countdown clock halted, Artemis I sits at pad...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock halted, Artemis I sits at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Saturday, September 3, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt of NASA's moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Visitors check out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad 39-B...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Visitors check out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher as it rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39-B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![With flags flapping in the breeze, Artemis I sits at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With flags flapping in the breeze, Artemis I sits at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Saturday, September 3, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt of NASA's moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Orion program engineers talk in front of the Artemis III...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Orion program engineers talk in front of the Artemis III crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a mission to land on the moon in the future. The unmanned Artemis I is scheduled to launch from KSC at 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Storm clouds linger over Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Storm clouds linger over Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, Sunday morning as it sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday, with NASA forecasting an 80% chance of launch. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., carrying the Orion spacecraft on a mission to orbit the moon, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Photographers gather at dawn on launch day for Artemis I...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Photographers gather at dawn on launch day for Artemis I at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Saturday, September 3, 2022. NASA scrubbed the second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight after ongoing fueling issues. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Dawn breaks over Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as the countdown...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Dawn breaks over Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as the countdown clock continues to run before the launch of Artemis I was scrubbed due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. After Monday's scrub due to engine-related issues, NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday with weather forecast to be 60% favorable for lift-off. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With the countdown clock still stopped at 40 minutes from...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock still stopped at 40 minutes from Monday's scrubbed launch, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Photographers set up remote cameras near Artemis I, NASA's Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Photographers set up remote cameras near Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, as it sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it arrives at Launch Pad 39-B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![A visitor checks out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A visitor checks out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![A booster of NASA's Artemis 1 appears as a white...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A booster of NASA's Artemis 1 appears as a white dot, left, near the moon after lifting off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on a lunar orbit mission, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at sunrise, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit mission on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., carrying the Orion spacecraft on a mission to orbit the moon, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Dawn breaks over Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as the countdown...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Dawn breaks over Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as the countdown clock continues to run before the launch of Artemis I was scrubbed due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from potential impact brought by Hurricane Ian, NASA's...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from potential impact brought by Hurricane Ian, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The hurricane is forecast to strike the Florida peninsula in the next 48 hours. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after a scrubbed launch due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Visitors to the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry at Kennedy...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Visitors to the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. get a good view of Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, as it sits at Launch Pad 39-B on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday, with NASA forecasting an 80% chance of launch. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Dawn breaks over the media complex at Kennedy Space Center,...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Dawn breaks over the media complex at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., before the launch of Artemis I was scrubbed due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The Artemis III Orion crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Artemis III Orion crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a mission to land on the moon in the future. The unmanned Artemis I is scheduled to launch from KSC at 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With the countdown clock in a built-in hold, Artemis I...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock in a built-in hold, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B shortly before midnight at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With the countdown clock in a built-in hold, Artemis I...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock in a built-in hold, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B shortly before midnight at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![A visitor checks out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A visitor checks out Artemis I sitting at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Orion program engineers talk in front of the Artemis III...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Orion program engineers talk in front of the Artemis III crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a mission to land on the moon in the future. The unmanned Artemis I is scheduled to launch from KSC at 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from potential impact from Hurricane Ian that is...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from potential impact from Hurricane Ian that is forecast to strike the Florida peninsula, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad 39-B shortly before midnight at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The Artemis I mission lifts off from Kennedy Space Center's...]()
NASA
The Artemis I mission lifts off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B at 1:47 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at sunrise, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit mission on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as crawler transporter-2 (CT-2) begins to climb the ramp at Launch Pad 39-B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![With Artemis I temporarily grounded at launch pad 39-B, news...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With Artemis I temporarily grounded at launch pad 39-B, news photographers remove remote cameras Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at sunrise, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit mission on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Visitors to the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry at Kennedy...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Visitors to the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. get a good view of Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, as it sits at Launch Pad 39-B on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday, with NASA forecasting an 80% chance of launch. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's New Moon rocket is seen at Launch Pad 39B...]()
Terry Renna/AP
NASA's New Moon rocket is seen at Launch Pad 39B as preparations for launch continue at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. This launch, scheduled for early tomorrow, is the first flight test of the Artemis program. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
![With Artemis I temporarily grounded at launch pad 39-B, news...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With Artemis I temporarily grounded at launch pad 39-B, news photographers remove remote cameras Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as Crawler Transporter-2 (CT-2) begins to climb the ramp at Launch Pad 39-B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after a scrubbed launch due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., carrying the Orion spacecraft on a mission to orbit the moon, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Dawn colors the sky behind Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Dawn colors the sky behind Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, as it sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., carrying the Orion spacecraft on a mission to orbit the moon, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at sunrise, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit mission on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With flags flapping in the breeze, Artemis I sits at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With flags flapping in the breeze, Artemis I sits at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Saturday, September 3, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt of NASA's moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits grounded at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits grounded at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![In a photo provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky/AP
In a photo provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as the crew access arm is swung into position for rollout to Launch Pad 39B, early Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla.
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky/AP
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it rolls out to Launch Pad 39B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after a scrubbed launch due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The NASA moon rocket leaves the Vehicle Assembly Building headed...]()
John Raoux/AP
The NASA moon rocket leaves the Vehicle Assembly Building headed to Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, early Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. NASA is targeting the next launch attempt of the Artemis I mission for Monday, Nov. 14, with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft.
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday, with NASA forecasting an 80% chance of launch. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain caused by Hurricane Ian, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's new moon rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 39B...]()
John Raoux/AP
NASA's new moon rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. This launch is the first flight test of the Artemis program. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
![Artemis I, carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad 39-B shortly before midnight at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms roll in at Launch Complex 39 near Artemis I,...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms roll in at Launch Complex 39 near Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight of Artemis on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits at Launch Pad 39-B shortly before midnight at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![This graphic shows the planned mission progress of Artemis I...]()
NASA
This graphic shows the planned mission progress of Artemis I on its path around the moon and back to Earth.
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at sunrise, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit mission on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms roll in at Launch Complex 39 near Artemis I,...]()
Joe Burbank
Thunderstorms roll in at Launch Complex 39 near Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight of Artemis on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With darkened skies during thunderstorms at launch pad 39-B, Artemis...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With darkened skies during thunderstorms at launch pad 39-B, Artemis 1 sits ready for lift-off at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight at 2:17pm on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The sun rises behind Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The sun rises behind Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, as it sits temporarily grounded at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![News photographers set remote cameras at launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
News photographers set remote cameras at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as Artemis 1 is readied for lift-off. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at sunrise, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit mission on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![FILE - This combination of photos shows the Saturn V...]()
AP
FILE - This combination of photos shows the Saturn V rocket with Apollo 12's spacecraft aboard on the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in 1969, left, and the new moon rocket for the Artemis program with the Orion spacecraft at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on March 18, 2022. (AP Photo, File)
![A visitor to Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center,...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A visitor to Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., watches the sunrise, Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday of Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. After Monday's scrub due to engine-related issues, NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday with weather forecast to be 60% favorable for lift-off. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Earth is seen beyond the moon from the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA
Earth is seen beyond the moon from the Orion spacecraft ahead of its outbound burn that will take it into a distant retrograde orbit on Nov. 21, 2022.
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain caused by Hurricane Ian, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky/(NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39-B, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock stopped at T-minus 40 minutes, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., after a scrubbed launch due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis 1 lifts off from launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., carrying the Orion spacecraft on a mission to orbit the moon, early Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The Orion capsule is scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11 after 25 days in space. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky/(NASA/Joel Kowsky)
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA made the decision to rollback based on the latest weather predictions associated with Hurricane Ian.
![Dawn breaks over Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as the countdown...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Dawn breaks over Kennedy Space Center, Fla., as the countdown clock continues to run before the launch of Artemis I was scrubbed due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. NASA is assessing whether they will make another attempt at launch this week for the moon-orbit mission, tentatively scheduled for Friday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![FILE - A close-up view of NASA's moon rocket at...]()
Bill Ingalls/AP
FILE - A close-up view of NASA's moon rocket at Kennedy Space Center, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA's high-tech, automated Orion capsule is named after the constellation, among the night sky's brightest. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP, File)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday at 2:17pm. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft...]()
NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher as it arrives at Launch Pad 39-B, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday, with the weather forecast currently at 60% favorable. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![In this view at launch pad 39-B on Thursday, September...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
In this view at launch pad 39-B on Thursday, September 1, 2022, Artemis 1 sits ready for liftoff at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. After Monday's scrub due to engine-related issues, NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With the countdown clock in a built-in hold, Artemis I...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With the countdown clock in a built-in hold, Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B shortly before midnight at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Sunday, August 28, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's new moon rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center's...]()
Chris O'Meara/AP
NASA's new moon rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
![Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I sits at Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, as seen from nearby Canaveral National Seashore after Monday's scrubbed launch. NASA is vetting launch options, possibly as early as Friday for the next attempt. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I is fueled for liftoff at Kennedy Space Center,...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I is fueled for liftoff at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., before the launch getting scrubbed due to reported engine issues, Monday, August 29, 2022. The flame to the right of the rocket is vapor venting during the fueling process. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Taking shelter from the impending arrival of wind and rain caused by Hurricane Ian, NASA's Artemis I is rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![With camera tripods at the press site bagged for weather,...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
With camera tripods at the press site bagged for weather, Artemis I sits at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Saturday, September 3, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt of NASA's moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Thunderstorms move in over Artemis 1 as it sits ready for lift-off at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, September 2, 2022. NASA will make a second attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday, with the weather forecast currently at 60% favorable. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![NASA's Artemis I sits at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
NASA's Artemis I sits at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday night, November 15, 2022, ahead of a planned early Wednesday launch. As of 10pm, a team of technicians was investigating a hydrogen leak on the launch structure that has halted fueling. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The Orion capsule onboard Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The Orion capsule onboard Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, sits temporarily grounded at pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Photographed August 27, thunderstorms move over Artemis I at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. After Monday's scrub due to engine-related issues, NASA will make another attempt to launch the moon-orbit test flight on Saturday with weather forecast to be 60% favorable for lift-off. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The NASA Moon rocket makes its way from the Vehicle...]()
John Raoux/AP
The NASA Moon rocket makes its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building headed to Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA is targeting the next launch attempt of the Artemis I mission for Monday, Nov. 14 with liftoff of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft.
![Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Artemis I, NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft, sits on Launch Pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The launch of the unmanned test flight on a moon-orbit mission is scheduled for 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![Orion program engineers talk in front of the Artemis II...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Orion program engineers talk in front of the Artemis II crew capsule being assembled at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Sunday, August 28, 2022. The capsule will carry astronauts on a mission to orbit the moon in the future. The unmanned Artemis I is scheduled to launch from KSC at 8:33 a.m., Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
![The sun sets over Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket...]()
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The sun sets over Artemis I, NASA's heavy-lift lunar rocket system, after the scrub of the second launch attempt on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. NASA managers have yet to announce a new target launch date for the moon-orbit test flight. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The Artemis I mission brought the Orion capsule on its closest approach to the moon Monday while blasting out on its way to an orbit that will take it farther from the Earth than any previous human-rated spacecraft.
Orion entered the moon’s gravitational influence on Sunday and used that power along with a thruster on an outbound powered burn to come within 81 miles of the lunar surface. It will over the next week get as far as about 40,000 miles away from the moon.
That would bring it about 268,000 miles away from Earth, surpassing the distance away from Earth traveled by Apollo 13 by about 30,000 miles.
“This is one of those days you’ve been thinking about and dreaming about for a long, long time,” said NASA flight director Zeb Scoville. “This morning we just saw the Earth set behind the moon as we take the next human-rated vehicle around the moon preparing to bring humans back there within a few years. This is a game changer.”
Orion launched from Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 16 atop the Space Launch System, becoming the most powerful rocket to successfully launch from Earth into space with its 8.8 million pounds of thrust.
Built by primary contractor Lockheed Martin and originally designed for NASA’s defunct Constellation program that was canceled in 2010, Orion shifted to become the prime spacecraft for the new Artemis deep-space program with plans to travel to the moon and eventually to Mars.
The 25.5 day mission is set to orbit the moon on a distant retrograde orbit, meaning opposite the spin of the moon, before returning to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 11.
Over six days, Orion will complete just one half of an orbit before gearing up for a return to Earth. The outbound powered flyby began at 7:44 a.m. EST with the closest approach around 7:57 a.m.
The 2-minute, 30-second burn with 6,000 pounds of thrust came from Orion’s Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engine, which previously flew on 19 missions of the Space Shuttle Program between 1984 and 2002. In total the spacecraft’s service module has 33 engines, all from contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, to allow for smaller adjustments to flight.
Artemis I is an uncrewed flight that looks to show the capsule is safe for humans. Its heat shield will need to fend off re-entry temperatures near 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit as the spacecraft comes in faster than any previously flown human-rated vehicle traveling at Mach 32 around 24,500 mph.
If successful, NASA can move forward with Artemis II, a crewed mission to orbit the moon slated for no earlier than May 2024 and Artemis III, which looks to return humans, including the first woman, to the lunar surface no earlier than 2025.
The first time NASA sent humans on a trip around the far side of the moon was Apollo 8 in 1968 with astronauts Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and Bill Anders.
“People on Earth tend to call the far side of the moon the dark side, but that’s a misnomer,” said Borman in an archived NASA video. “On our flight the moon was between the Earth and the sun and the far side was lit by the sun.”
Lovell, who also flew on Apollo 13, said he and his crewmates were in awe for that first trip.
“We were like three schoolkids looking through a candy store window I guess just staring at the unnamed craters as they slowly passed us by,” he said.
On his second trip when Apollo 13 was not able to make its moon landing, it ended up flying out to 248,655 miles from Earth in 1970.
Orion will surpass that distance on its 11th day of the mission on Nov. 26.
NASA lets people track the position of Orion though the website nasa.gov/specials/trackartemis.
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