BULLETIN

Artemis I returns to VAB again

It was sheltering from a storm, but snags continue to plague mission

Stormy times continue for Artemis I after NASA returned the rocket to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on 26 September to protect it from Hurricane Ian.

The Artemis I mission is an uncrewed test of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew capsule that will return humans to the Moon for the first time in 50 years, but has been beset by problems. It has been returned to the VAB once already in April for repairs, then its first launch attempt on 29 August was called off due to an engine problem. Issues with the fuel lines delayed subsequent attempts.

NASA will use the roll-back as a chance to investigate these issues, as well as resetting batteries with expired flight certifications. At the time of writing, the launch will be occurring no sooner than mid-November. www.nasa.gov