NASA's Artemis I mission will take a bit longer. Space.com reports that NASA expects to launch the uncrewed Artemis I flight trial in February 2022. The liftoff window will open as early as February 12th. Launch is now contingent on testing. The Orion capsule has been placed on top of the Space Launch System rocket.
However, testing can take some time. Space agency will conduct tests for interfaces, engineering and communications, as well as the countdown system. The "Wet Dress Rehearsal" is the most important test. This is when Artemis I's crew will attempt loading and unloading propellants several weeks prior to launch. NASA will not set a launch date for your rocket until you have successfully completed a rehearsal.
Artemis I will be accompanied by an Orion capsule equipped with a sensor and a "moonikin", which will orbit the Moon. It will also have organ- and bone-like "phantoms" to study acceleration, radiation, and vibration. Artemis II will be manned by a human crew. NASA had hoped to land humans on the Moon by 2024. However, budgetary issues and disputes over lander contracts have cast doubts on this goal.
However, a successful Artemis I mission would still be a significant milestone. It would prove the viability and reliability of Orion as well as SLS. It would also bring humans one step closer towards exploring beyond Earth's orbit, for the first time since decades.
