NASA wants 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 opted for an early available moment to launch the rocket.

In an interview with Ars Technica Associate Administrator Jim Free says work on the SLS missile has made “incredible progress” last week. NASA previously indicated that if the wet dress rehearsal in June went well, the SLS rocket could not be used for the Artemis I mission until August at the earliest. During a wet dress rehearsal, the SLS rocket is filled up with fuel, after which the launch procedure is followed 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, technicians must complete final preparations on the SLS missile, including replacing a seal that led to a hydrogen leak during the June 20 test. Several attempts were made to ensure that the fuel test went well, but they always failed. This was partly due to problems with the launch pad and a leak when refueling the SLS rocket.

The Artemis I mission launches the SLS rocket and an Orion capsule to the moon without a crew. Artemis III is planned for 2025, which will actually bring astronauts to the moon in collaboration with SpaceX.