Home / Weather News /

Artemis Launch scrubbed - Taking astronauts to the Moon (& beyond)

12:37
29 August 2022

Artemis Launch scrubbed
Taking astronauts to the Moon (& beyond)

Artemis Program - NASA's Space Launch Systems (SLS) render.

Update:

Due to an engine temperature issue, the first Artemis Mission has been scrubbed. The next opportunity to launch is September 2, shortly after noon ET, depending on if the engine issue is solved... and of course, weather. We will keep you updated.

Original story:

Have you heard about the Artemis Program? In short, this is the program that will take astronauts back to the moon. But there is so much more about this program that hopes to, eventually, takes humans to Mars.

The first mission of the Artemis Program was scheduled to launch on August 29th from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The 2-hour launch window was supposed to open at 8:33 a.m. Although the weather was behaving, weather is only one component of many that must come together to make a successful launch.

WATCH PREPARATIONS TO LAUNCH AUG. 29 HERE

NASA’s rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry the Orion spacecraft with lots of experiments, microsatellites, and subsequentially the astronauts aboard, is the most powerful rocket in the world.

There are three test flights set. The first test flight is scheduled to launch on August 29 from Florida’s Cape Canaveral. On August 16, the paired SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft rolled out slowly from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center and onto the launch pad – very slowly, at 1 mph.

Test flights 2 and 3 will have crews, AKA astronauts.

The second test flight is set to have the spacecraft – and crew – go past the Moon, then come back to Earth. This would mark the first time that humans have been so far from Earth.

The last (number 3) test flight will include the first woman and man to land on the South Pole of the Moon where they will look for the Moon’s water and use it. Astronauts that will be on the Moon will be three 3 days away from Earth. The plan is to have them set up a functional way to live and work outside of Earth so that, when the time comes, they will be able to apply the same findings and ways in missions to Mars. Of course, Mars being a lot farther… 3 years away (round trip)!

This whole project will take a deep dive to closely study our closest natural satellite. SLS will also carry modules and robots that will land in different parts of the Moon and take samples and observations.

Fun fact: In Greek mythology, Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo and the goddess of the Moon. Apollo was the last mission that took astronauts to the Moon.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Temperature radar of the UK and Ireland with heat warning, highs of 30+ degrees in England and Wales.
Thursday 10 July 2025

Take precautions

Third heatwave takes grip
Flood water and weather radar showing heavy rain and thunderstorms over the southern US.
Thursday 10 July 2025

Downpours & flash floods

More severe weather in the USA
Wind radar and warning map for strong gusting winds across south-east Ireland, Wales, and the English south coast.
Tuesday 15 July 2025

For UK and Ireland

Pressure system prompts wind warnings
All weather news
This might also interest you
A temperature and weather radar of the UK and Ireland showing hot temperatures with clear, sunny skies.
Friday 11 July 2025

Breakfast brief

A hot and sunny outlook
Thursday 3 July 2025

Gusty too

Rainfall passes through the north
Friday 4 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Gusty and wet end to the week
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement