NASA overcame technical challenges to get its new moon rocket to the launchpad. A major storm may be the final obstacle to launch.
NASA spent 17 years building the Space Launch System in order to carry out its new lunar missions. After years of delays and two scrubbed launches, the agency was ready to try again on Tuesday.
NASA is rushing to get the rocket back to its building in case of a storm. The agency is going to take the rocket away from the launchpad and crawl it 4.2 miles down a runway before putting it in a building.
At 11 p.m., NASA wants to start the roll back. It's broadcasting from the launchpad, which is covered with clouds and rain.
The rocket's first flight, called Artemis I, may be delayed until November.
The goal of the mission is to test the hardware for future flights with astronauts.
The first moonwalk since 1972 is expected to take place in the year 2025. Regulators and industry wonks say that the timeline is too optimistic. It's less and less likely that Artemis will land in 2025.
By the time it reaches the Florida coast, Hurricane Ian is expected to be a major Category 3 storm with wind speeds of at least 112 mph.
A tropical storm's maximum winds increase by 35 mph in just 24 hours. Warm water is the fuel of choice. Climate change is expected to lead to higher temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.
It is happening. Over the last 40 years, the chance of a storm turning into a major Hurricane has increased by 8%.
Ian will be climbing the Gulf Coast of Florida while SLS is located on the Atlantic side. The peninsula is expected to get a lot of rain. There is a high risk of damage or interference as the rocket ascends.
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