NASA prepares to launch SLS Moon rocket for 1st time
- Miriam Kramer, author of Axios Space
The Space Launch System rocket on the launch pad at sunrise. Photo: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
NASA's Space Launch System rocket is preparing to lift off on an uncrewed journey to the Moon.
The latest: The Artemis I launch was called off on Monday due to technical issues. The earliest the space agency could launch is now Friday. Read more.
Why it matters: If and when it happens, it will mark the first launch of the SLS and represent a major milestone for NASA as the space agency works to send people back to the lunar surface for the first time since the 1970s.
Artemis I launch time
With Monday's launch scrubbed, NASA has backup launch dates set for Sept. 2 and Sept. 5.
- But it wasn't immediately clear Monday morning whether the space agency would be able to fix the issues and target one of those days.
How to watch the launch
- You can watch the run-up to the launch and the launch itself live on NASA TV here. NASA's Spanish-language coverage of the launch is here.
The big picture: NASA has plans to use the SLS and Orion capsule for its Artemis program, which is expected to land people on the Moon in 2025.
- Unlike the Apollo program, NASA hopes that Artemis will be sustainable and long-lived — establishing a major presence on the Moon and a small space station in orbit that can act as a jumping-off point down to the surface.
- The 2025 landing is expected to bring the first woman and person of color to the Moon.
Yes, but: With a big, new rocket like this, anything can happen, including unforeseen delays as we saw on Monday.
Go deeper: Technical issues delay the first launch of NASA's new Moon rocket
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details about the postponement of Monday's launch.