NASA eyes three dates for mega moon rocket’s maiden launch

The maiden launch of NASA's mega moon rocket is imminent.

The space agency named three dates in late August and early September that are ideal for the launch of its mighty Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

August 29, September 2, and September 5 are possible launch dates for the mission, which will involve a flyby of the moon before the craft returns to Earth. It is likely that the launch date will be confirmed a week before liftoff.

NASA said the mission duration will be different depending on the date. If the SLS launches on August 29 or September 5, it will take 42 days for the mission to be completed.

After completing a recent ground-based test, technicians are now making final adjustments to the vehicle in preparation for launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Both Artemis I and Artemis II will be uncrewed flights, but with a crew on board. Artemis III will aim to put the first woman and first person of color on the surface of the moon in what would be the first lunar landing in more than 50 years.

Plans for a long-term lunar presence that could serve as a stepping stone for the first crewed missions to Mars are part of NASA's Artemis program.

For an idea of the kind of power that will be on display during the SLS's first launch, watch this NASA video showing a ground-based test that involved firing all four of the rocket's engines at the same time.

There is a recommended video.