NASA has postponed the launch of the Artemis I mission, the first step toward returning to the moon, to next Saturday after failing to resolve a problem with one of the engines on Monday. The second attempt was originally scheduled for Friday, but the US space agency has decided to take an extra day to avoid any loose ends. The launch was indeed planned for Monday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, but was canceled after a test to get one of the rocket's four RS-25 engines to the right temperature for launch was unsuccessful. Related News standard Yes Why has NASA decided to abort the launch of Artemis I? P. Biosca A problem with one of the engines first delayed and then canceled the first flight of the new lunar program, although engineers have had to deal with several other setbacks. During that launch attempt, teams were unable to cool the four RS-25 engines to approximately -420 degrees F, and engine 3 showed higher temperatures than the other engines. The teams also observed a hydrogen leak on one component and managed the leak by manually adjusting propellant flow rates. In the coming days, the teams will modify and practice propellant loading procedures. These updated procedures would perform the engine cooldown test, also called the boot bleed test, 30 to 45 minutes early in the countdown during the liquid hydrogen rapid fill phase for the rocket's core stage. U.S. Space Force Delta 45 launch meteorologists are forecasting favorable weather conditions for Saturday. While rain is expected, it is predicted to be sporadic during the launch window. The mission management team will reconvene Thursday to review data and overall preparation. The goal of Artemis 1, named for Apollo's twin sister in Greek mythology, is to test the 98-meter SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carrying the crew-tuned Orion capsule at its highest point. The mission is uncrewed; instead, there are mannequins equipped with sensors that will record acceleration, vibration, and radiation levels. Tens of thousands of people, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, gathered Monday to watch the launch, which comes 50 years to the day since Apollo 17 astronauts last set foot on the moon.
