NASA’s long-delayed uncrewed mission to circumnavigate the moon faces a new hurdle ahead of launch. Hurricane “Nicole” arrived in Florida early Thursday, bringing high winds. NASA announced a delay in advance of the launch, delaying liftoff from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 to allow time for post-storm inspections and repairs.
“Nicole was downgraded to a tropical storm after making landfall south of Vero Beach. Artemis I is sitting on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Vero Beach.
High winds are the biggest threat to the mission. The rocket is designed to withstand winds of up to 74 knots (85 mph) on the launch pad. NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Fried posted an update on Twitter on Thursday, saying the rocket pad’s wind sensor registered peak wind speeds of up to 71 knots (82 mph/131 km/h).
According to Freed, initial camera inspections revealed minor damage to Artemis I, including loose caulk and tears in the covering. In another update Friday, Fried said NASA will be making minor repairs and continuing to prepare the rocket for launch.
NASA made the decision Sunday night to keep Artemis 1 on the pad, saying it was the safest option for the launch hardware.
Adjusting the target launch date will allow the crew to take care of the needs of their families and families and provide sufficient logistical time to re-enter launch status after the storm. During the storm, an “out” team of employees remained at Kennedy Space Center to monitor the situation.
NASA last week slid Artemis 1, which consists of the giant Space Launch System rocket and upper stage, the Orion capsule, back to its launch pad by orbital flight after it was destroyed during Hurricane Ian in late September. Tuck away in the huge garage for safekeeping.
