NASA is preparing to launch its latest Artemis mission as a narrow launch window opens after delays caused by extremely cold weather. The US space agency has only a few days a month to send the rocket into space, and February was already shorter due to freezing temperatures. The mission will test key systems, carry astronauts around the moon and mark an important step in NASA’s long-term plans for the moon.
After a bitter cold snap delayed its schedule, NASA resumed countdown procedures Saturday evening. Launch controllers used the time to practice the final steps and address any remaining technical issues.
The countdown clocks were set to stop 30 seconds before takeoff, just before the engine ignited, so teams could confirm that all systems were functioning as expected. The cold weather conditions during this period have created an ongoing obstacle that limits NASA’s ability to conduct safe launch operations. Officials say any delay will put pressure on the already tight schedule for the Artemis program.
Artemis mission tests spacecraft systems
The Artemis mission will last almost ten days and the astronauts will travel to the moon before flying to the other side and returning home to Earth. The crew will not orbit the moon or attempt a landing. The mission aims to test the spacecraft’s life support system, navigation system and other essential systems in deep space conditions.
The mission will demonstrate the spacecraft’s ability to transport humans to safe destinations beyond Earth orbit, which is a key requirement for upcoming space missions.
NASA astronauts last visited the moon during Apollo missions that took place between 1960 and 1970. The Artemis mission will return humans to the moon’s surface.
