After months of delays and unexpected repairs, NASA’s Artemis II moon rocket began its second journey to the launchpad on the morning of March 20. The four astronauts assigned to the mission are currently in isolation, preparing for the upcoming launch.
Rollout Underway
Engineers began moving the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft at 5:30 am IST, heading towards Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The rollout is being live-streamed on YouTube.
The roughly 5,000-tonne structure is traveling at approximately 1.6 kmph along a 6.4 kilometre route. The journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launchpad is expected to take up to 12 hours, with an estimated arrival time of 5:30 pm IST.
Crew in Quarantine
The four-person crew – NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen – entered quarantine at 3:30 am on Thursday in Houston, Texas. They will travel to Kennedy Space Centre approximately five days before launch to continue quarantine procedures.
Previous Delays
This rollout follows a series of setbacks. The rocket initially moved to the launchpad on January 17, but a hydrogen fuel leak during a wet dress rehearsal on January 31 prompted a return to the VAB on February 25 to address the issue. An additional problem with an electrical harness on the flight termination system required further repairs.
Looking Ahead
NASA is currently targeting a launch as early as Wednesday, April 1, with launch opportunities extending through Monday, April 6. The 10-day mission will send the crew on a trajectory around the Moon and back to Earth. Victor Glover will turn into the first person of colour, Christina Koch the first woman, and Jeremy Hansen the first non-American to travel to deep space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Artemis II mission delayed?
The mission was delayed due to a hydrogen fuel leak discovered during a wet dress rehearsal and a subsequent problem with helium flow to the rocket’s upper stage. An electrical harness issue also required repairs.
When did the Artemis II rocket first roll out to the launchpad?
The Artemis II rocket first rolled out to Launch Pad 39B on January 17.
What is the duration of the Artemis II mission?
The Artemis II mission is planned to be a 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
As NASA prepares to return humans to the vicinity of the Moon, what impact do you believe this mission will have on future space exploration?
