For a third time, NASA is preparing for what could be a monumental day in the annals of human space exploration.
NASA’s “megarocket” is once again slated for launch, this time on Monday, November 14. Twice previously, the massive ship was on the docket for takeoff, and both times it was sidelined by a fuel leak.
The so-called “megarocket” is actually the SLS, which stands for Space Launch System, stacked with the Orion spacecraft on top. The SLS is a major cog in the plan to get humans back onto the surface of the moon, dubbed the “Artemis missions.”
“With Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. We will collaborate with commercial and international partners and establish the first long-term presence on the Moon.
Then, we will use what we learn on and around the Moon to take the next giant leap: sending the first astronauts to Mars,” reads the page dedicated to the mission on NASA’s website.
“From this sacred and historical place, humanity will soon embark on a new era of exploration,” NASA administrator Bill Nelson said back in March, when the SLS was originally prepped for launch. “Artemis I will demonstrate NASA’s commitment and capacity to extend humanity’s presence on the Moon – and beyond.”
The Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight but is expected to pave the way for a manned flyby mission (Artemis 2) and eventually a manned landing on the moon for the first time in five decades (Artemis 3).
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