What time is NASA's Artemis 1 SLS megarocket launch to the moon?

When NASA's Artemis 1 mission launches to the moon this month, it will open a new era of US space exploration.

The first uncrewed test flight of NASA's Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon is scheduled to launch on Monday. The liftoff is scheduled to take place at 8:33 a.m. The weather could change. On Monday at 6:30 a.m., you can watch the launch on the internet.

The Artemis 1 moon mission has live updates.

NASA has made it clear that Artemis 1 is a test flight. It is the first-ever flight of the agency's new megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), as well as the first deep-space flight for the new The launch may be delayed due to technical problems.

Jim Free said at the news conference that the test fight carries inherent risk. The first flight of a new rocket and a new spaceship.

There is a two hour window in which to launch Artemis 1. Between 8:33 a.m. and 10:33 a.m., the launch could take place. The start of the window is targeted by NASA.

A delay could be caused by the weather. There is a 70% chance of good weather at launch. The SLS may have to fly through rain on its ascent, as well as the possibility of electrical fields from lightning. Daily weather updates will be issued by the weather group. You can find them on the website.

What if Artemis 1 doesn't launch on Aug. 29?

NASA has a number of options if the Artemis 1 mission is delayed.

There are two backup launch days for Artemis 1 in September. The dates have their own launch windows.

The Artemis 1 SLS rocket will be launched at 12:48 p.m. if NASA is forced to go for the September 2 launch date. There is a two hour window to get off the ground. The agency would have to accept a shorter mission, 39 days, instead of the 42 days it would take if it went ahead with the launch. On October 11th, it would splash down in the ocean.

Liftoff is scheduled for 5:12 p.m. The sun rises at 2212GMT. The launch window for this date is 90 minutes shorter than it was two years ago, but it still allows NASA to fly for 42 days. The landing would take place on October 17th.

What if NASA misses this Artemis 1 launch window?

If NASA isn't able to launch the Artemis 1 mission during the August 29 to September 5 period, the agency will have to use a series of additional launch windows.

The space agency released a calendar of launch opportunities that met a number of criteria needed for the Artemis 1 mission. The list was updated earlier this month.

There are additional launch opportunities that could happen.

• Sept. 19-Oct. 4, except for Sept. 29-30;
• Oct. 17-Oct. 31, except for Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 28;
• Nov. 12-Nov. 27, except for Nov. 20-21 and Nov. 26 (preliminary);
• Dec. 9-23, except for Dec. 10, 14, 18 and 23 (preliminary).

If you want to see how the dates stack up, you can download the full Artemis 1 launch availability calendar.

The launch dates for Artemis 1 are determined by NASA's requirements. The NASA data sheet shows what they are.

• The moon's position in its orbit: The moon's location dictates the launch day because NASA wants to place Artemis 1 in what's called a "distant retrograde orbit" around the moon. To do that, the SLS current upper stage has to perform a maneuver called a trans-lunar injection burn at a specific point, with respect to the moon's position, to put it on the right course. 
• Orion's lighting conditions: NASA mission rules dictate that the Orion spacecraft cannot be in darkness for more than 90 minutes at a time. This is because Orion is solar powered, so it needs sunlight on its arrays, and also to maintain its optimum temperature. 
• Orion's "skip" reentry plan: In order to pinpoint Orion's splashdown location in the Pacific Ocean, NASA wants to try a "skip" reentry in which the space capsule dips into the Earth's upper atmosphere, then skips out briefly before making its final reentry. To do that, it has to launch during certain windows to reach the right trajectory upon its return to Earth, NASA says. 
• Orion's splashdown lighting conditions: NASA wants Orion to splash down during the daytime hours to make it easer for recovery teams to spot the capsule and retrieve it out of the ocean. 

When it comes to determining a launch date for Artemis1, there are a lot of requirements.

Space.com will carry NASA's Artemis 1 launch live on Monday if you want to watch it online. A fueling event will start at 12 noon. The launch webcast will begin at 6:30 a.m.. The sun goes down at 10 pm

Several post-launch events, including a press conference, confirmation of the trans-lunar injection maneuver and the first views of Earth, will be streamed on NASA's website. You can find a full schedule in the guide.

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