NASA could send a rocket to the moon in August

DrNASA may return to the moon at the end of August: As the US space agency announced Wednesday, the Artemis program could begin its first unmanned test flight around the moon as early as August 29. This is the first launch window for the SLS lunar rocket and Orion space capsule, Jim Frye, NASA deputy administrator, told reporters. Other possible dates are September 2 and September 5.

NASA wants to use giant SLS rockets and the Orion space capsule to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. On the Artemis-1 mission, the SLS rocket first orbits the moon without a crew for a four- to six-week mission and then returns to Earth.

Initially, NASA had already considered the launch in May. But the test launch failed, and the massive rocket had to survive another rehearsal in June. According to NASA, the defective seals were then replaced.

Astronauts are scheduled to orbit the Moon in 2024 with the Artemis-2 mission. In 2025, Artemis-3 should actually land on the moon with astronauts, including a woman, for the first time.