NASA stands down from Tuesday launch for Artemis I, holding off rollback decision

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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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/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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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/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.
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)
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)
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/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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)

By Richard Tribou | rtribou@orlandosentinel.com | Orlando Sentinel

PUBLISHED: September 25, 2022 at 9:51 p.m. | UPDATED: September 26, 2022 at 2:40 p.m.

With the approaching threat of what is forecast to be Hurricane Ian, NASA finally threw in the towel Saturday for a launch attempt Tuesday of its Artemis I mission to the moon from Kennedy Space Center.

On Sunday, managers indicated they would wait longer before making a decision on whether or not to roll back the massive 5.75 million-pound, 322-foot-tall combination of Space Launch System rocket, mobile launcher and Orion spacecraft to the safety of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

In an update posted to NASA’s website Sunday night, that decision won’t come until Monday, and a potential rollback won’t be started until Monday or early Tuesday.

“Managers met Sunday evening to review the latest information on the storm from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Space Force, and the National Hurricane Center and decided to meet again Monday to allow for additional data gathering overnight before making the decision when to roll back. NASA continues to prioritize its people while protecting the Artemis I rocket and spacecraft system,” the update reads.

Initially, NASA had indicated a rollback could potentially begin Sunday night or early Monday.

With each updated forecast, the effects of the storm’s arrival keep getting pushed farther away from the Space Coast. Initially forecasts said that the Space Coast could be feeling tropical-storm-force winds Tuesday morning, the same time NASA had intended to launch.

What is currently Tropical Storm Ian located in the central Caribbean is forecast to become a hurricane Sunday night or Monday morning, and then move north over Cuba into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s center is projected to be more than 100 miles off Florida’s southwest coast on Wednesday with a potential landfall anywhere from the Panhandle down to Fort Myers as a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds as late as Friday.

The consensus track as of 11 a.m. Sunday the center of the storm targeting the big bend south of Tallahassee.

“The agency is taking a step-wise approach to its decision making process to allow the agency to protect its employees by completing a safe roll in time for them to address the needs of their families while also protecting for the option to press ahead with another launch opportunity in the current window if weather predictions improve,” the initial statement read Saturday.

In a briefing Friday, missions managers noted the rocket was certified to endure 85 mph sustained winds on the launch pad. A rollback would take about three days to ready the hardware for traveling and make the slow 4-mile trip back to the VAB from Launch Pad 39-B. Previously, officials had said the rolls to and from the VAB can put more stress on the hardware, so if they can, staying at the launch pad is preferable.

“We’ve got a robust design, but we want to protect the vehicle,” said John Blevins, SLS chief engineer.

If managers elect to stay on the pad, the next opportunity to launch during this window is Sunday, Oct. 2, a 109-minute window that opens at 2:52 p.m. and fly for roughly a 41-day mission and land on Nov. 11.

After that, NASA would have to stand down until the next available windows on Oct. 17-31, Nov. 12-27 and Dec. 9-23. Each window has only certain days during which the Earth and moon are in the right position for the planned mission.

Artemis I is an uncrewed mission that combines the mobile launcher, Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. The SLS’s 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff would become the most powerful rocket to ever launch from Earth besting the Saturn V rockets from the Apollo missions.

The Orion spacecraft will be propelled into a trans-lunar injection during which plans are to send it to as far as 280,000 miles away, 40,000 miles farther than the moon. It will make several orbits of the moon over several weeks before returning to Earth faster than any human-rated spacecraft has ever attempted re-entry, coming in at 24,500 mph creating heat of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The goal is to make sure Orion can endure extremes to keep humans safe on future missions. If successful, Artemis II could fly with a crew to orbit the moon in 2024 and Artemis III could fly as early as 2025 to return humans including the first woman to the lunar surface for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.

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