NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the Orion spacecraft, is visible atop the mobile launcher as it approaches Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, November 4, 2022. The Artemis I mission is the first integrated test of NASA’s deep space exploration technologies, including the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket, and supporting base systems. The unmanned flight test is scheduled to take place on November 14 at 12:07 a.m. EST.
The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I mission arrived at launch pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at about 8:30 a.m. EDT (5:30 a.m. PDT) on November 4 following a roughly nine-hour trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Teams will continue to prepare SLS and Orion for the November 14 launch attempt.
The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I flight test are being prepared for launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
On November 3, about 11:17 p.m. EDT, the crawler-transporter started the almost 4-mile drive from the VAB to the launch pad. The Moon rocket paused outside the VAB high-bay doors to enable the team to reconfigure the crew access arm on the mobile launcher before proceeding to the launch pad.
On November 4, 2022, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will arrive at Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ahead of the uncrewed Artemis I launch.
The launch of Artemis I is now scheduled on November 14, with a 69-minute window opening at 12:07 a.m. EST. The first combined test of NASA’s SLS rocket, and Orion spacecraft will be Artemis I. Artemis I’s main purpose is to extensively test the integrated systems prior to crewed flights by launching Orion atop the SLS rocket, operating the spacecraft in deep space, testing Orion’s heat shield, and retrieving the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
