The eagerly awaited start of the first, still unmanned test flight of the “Artemis” mission to the moon has been called off. The reason is said to be a problem with the engine. It is still unclear when the start will be repeated.
The start of the first test flight of the “Artemis” mission to the moon has been postponed for the time being. At the head of the heavy-duty rocket “Space Launch System” the still unmanned “Orion” capsule should go on its journey to the moon. “The launch of Artemis I is canceled today as teams are working on an engine bleed issue,” NASA said on Twitter. More data would be collected. “We will keep you informed of the timing of the next launch attempt.”
NASA had reported problems with one of the engines shortly before the start, which was scheduled for 2:33 p.m. CEST. A spokesman had announced that an engine had not reached the required target temperature. A problem with the tank system had also been reported. In July, NASA had named September 2nd and September 5th as other possible launch dates.
The unmanned test flight of the “Artemis” mission, which will last around 40 days, is intended to herald the return to manned flights to the moon. NASA wants to send people there again in 2025 at the earliest, including a woman and a non-white person for the first time. Problems had already arisen during previous tests and the original schedule had been delayed.
