Hurricane Ian did “no damage” to Artemis flight hardware, and another launch attempt is scheduled for mid to late November, according to NASA officials.
Officials at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Fla., conducted post-storm inspections on Friday and found only “minor water intrusion in a few locations,“ according to a NASA spokesperson.
“As teams complete post-storm recovery operations, NASA has determined it will focus Artemis I launch planning efforts on the launch period that opens Nov. 12 and closes Nov. 27,” a NASA spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. “Over the coming days, managers will assess the scope of work to perform while in the Vehicle Assembly Building and identify a specific date for the next launch attempt. Focusing efforts on the November launch period allows time for employees at Kennedy to address the needs of their families and homes after the storm and for teams to identify additional checkouts needed before returning to the pad for launch.
Multiple launch attempts in August and September were unsuccessful due to a variety of mechanical issues.
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville developed the rocket, and Boeing was the prime contractor for the design and production. An audit by NASA's Office of Inspector General last year listed the cost to taxpayers for all three Artemis missions at an "unsustainable" $93 billion.
Artemis I will eventually take humans back to the moon. NASA also plans to use the rocket for the first human trip to Mars.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
