The Artemis 1 mission is postponed. After two failed launch attempts, everything indicates that we will have to wait until mid-October to see it underway. As long as they manage to resolve the incidents. The Artemis 1 mission is postponed due to two different problems It should be remembered that the Artemis 1 mission was originally scheduled for August 29. On that day, the countdown stopped with 40 minutes left before launch. One of the motors (number 3) did not reach the necessary temperature. Ultimately, it was determined that the repair would take too long and therefore there was no chance of launching the rocket before the window ended. It was decided that it was delayed until Saturday, September 3. By Saturday, NASA had made some changes to the fueling process. The main objective was to have time to be able to act in case, again, that number three engine gave problems. The SLS rocket during fuel tests last June (2022). Credit: NASA The story was going to be different this time. The launch was aborted about 3 hours before the moment in which the takeoff could have been carried out. The weather, which was initially feared, was not the problem. This time, it was the propellant charge. Specifically, the connection point between the loading system, on the platform, and the rocket, caused problems. The deep-frozen hydrogen was not being loaded into the rocket. Repair was attempted with three different methods. All were unsuccessful and it became clear that there were no options to keep the launch on Saturday. Now, NASA finds itself in a somewhat complicated situation. Launch likely in October Fixing the issues this week rule out the possibility that Artemis I could launch before the current window ends (which ends this Tuesday, September 6). Each launch window really comes down to several factors. In essence, some parameters need to be met, such as the lighting conditions at splashdown (when returning to Earth), as well as the duration of the mission and a few other factors. The next opportunity begins on September 17. However, from the space agency they have been doubtful about that option. It seems highly unlikely that the repairs were carried out before then. Already on Saturday there was talk that it would be a job of several weeks. The Aitken Basin, at the south pole of the Moon (in this image, it is the dark part, at the bottom). Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center This would therefore force us to wait for the next launch window, which begins on October 17. Depending on the extent of the repairs, it may not be possible to launch the rocket even then. There is another launch that has to be done: a manned mission, Crew-5. We will have to wait for the mission team to have more information to know when we could see the next attempt. Meanwhile, in addition, there is another launch that has to be made. This is Crew-5, a manned mission. Its destination will be the International Space Station and it is expected to launch on October 3. This, and the fact that the rocket will likely have to be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building makes September seem unrealistic. Artemis 1’s delays are not necessarily a disappointment. In fact, in all likelihood, it will be necessary to check the rocket’s safety system (which is responsible for detonating it in case it goes off course, to avoid problems). Something that will force the rocket to be taken to the facility. These cancellations have naturally been met with disappointment among the public. However, Bill Nelson himself, current NASA administrator, explained at a press conference last Saturday that we are facing something normal. Release delays are a very common occurrence. In this case, he emphasized, “it is even more important because there will be no launch before the rocket is in perfect condition.” It is not going to launch if you do not have all the guarantees. The Apollo 11 crew. From left to right: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. Credit: NASA In the end, as he explained, the cost of two aborted launches is much less than the cost of a lost rocket (which would have to be rebuilt). The only thing that can be done, at this time, is to wait for the team’s analysis. The cost of two aborted launches is far less than the cost of one lost rocket. In the next few days we will have a better idea of what NASA’s plans are from now on. The good news is that, however, this delay does not impact the manned missions, Artemis II and III, which keep their dates. Respectively, the intention is for Artemis II to launch in 2024, carrying a crew to orbit the Moon. Artemis III, which will carry a crew to the surface, remains planned for sometime in 2025.