Launch of NASA’s Artemis-1 mission postponed due to engine malfunction
NASA was going to launch its most powerful rocket today, but now this launch has been postponed. There will be no launch of ‘Moon Rocket’ today. NASA has confirmed this with its official Twitter handle. NASA has told that the rocket’s engine number three has malfunctioned, after which the launch has been postponed. Two alternate days have been kept for the launch by NASA. Now this launch can be done on 2 or 5 September.
This 322-foot rocket is the most powerful rocket ever made by NASA. According to media reports, this spacecraft will go to the Moon, will leave some small satellites in orbit and will itself be installed in orbit.
NASA’s most powerful rocket
This will be the first flight of the Artemis-1 new space launch system. It is a heavy lift rocket capable of being placed in orbit, as mentioned by NASA. It has the most powerful engines compared to rockets ever launched.
The launch of #Artemis I is no longer happening today as teams work through an issue with an engine bleed. Teams will continue to gather data, and we will keep you posted on the timing of the next launch attempt. https://t.co/tQ0lp6Ruhv pic.twitter.com/u6Uiim2mom
— NASA (@NASA) August 29, 2022
According to media reports, if the first two Artemis missions are successful, then NASA aims to send astronauts back to the Moon, including the first woman to set foot on the lunar surface in early 2025. Although many experts believe that the deadline can be extended a little further.
Why is this mission special?
Crew has not been used in any way in the Artemis-1 mission. This test is very important, because the actual working of the Orion croon capsule will be seen. This training will take about a month in the space environment of the Moon. During the nearly six-week long mission, SLS and Orion will cover a distance of about 65,000 km to the Moon and back.
