The third attempt to launch a new unmanned American spacecraft to the moon may have to be canceled. This time a storm threatens to throw a wrench into the work for the NASA space agency.
In recent weeks, the launch has already been delayed twice due to technical problems. The next attempt is scheduled for next Tuesday.
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The storm that could cause another cancellation is now just south of the Dominican Republic. The storm is expected to turn into a hurricane in the next few days and head for Florida, where it will launch.
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After launching from Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center, the spacecraft is expected to orbit the Earth for approximately 1.5 hours, then accelerate and begin its moon crossing. In five to six weeks, it should return to Earth with a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
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The mission is called Artemis I. It is the most powerful rocket ever built, the Space Launch System (SLS). On top is packed the ship that is to go to the moon, the Orion.
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The rear, which provides power and propulsion, was developed by Europe. The solar panels that generate electricity come from Leiden.
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If the launch cannot go on Tuesday, it will have to be postponed to the second half of October.
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