NASA’s “mega moon rocket” has returned to the launch pad.
The Space Launch System, or SLS, is the space agency’s newest and most powerful rocket to date, and it will return astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis programme in 2024 or 2025.
At 11:16 p.m., the rocket rolled out of the massive vehicle assembly building. ET, nearly 45 minutes ahead of schedule.
The first launch attempt is scheduled for November 14th at 12:07 a.m. ET. On Nov. 16 at 1:04 a.m., there are two additional launch windows where the Earth and moon are in the proper alignment for the mission. ET, as well as on November 19 at 1:45 a.m. ET.
The launch was scheduled for August 29 but was cancelled due to a number of issues, including a hydrogen leak. On September 3, NASA attempted a second launch, but was forced to cancel it due to a hydrogen leak. Though the space agency hoped to make a third attempt in September, Hurricane Ian forced them to return the rocket to the vehicle assembly building.
