November 15 2022

We are going back to the moon and this first step has been an extra long wait.  NASA is sending The Space Launch System, a massive rocket plug the Orion spacecraft into orbit. A technical issue back in August, plus Hurricane Ian have gotten in the way. Now the launch time is set for early Wednesday morning as optimal weather may give the truly dedicated a spectacular show. 

There are two ways to watch this: In person from Florida or online. Below I will provide the Weather Radar Widget AND NASA Livestream video broadcast. 

Amazing View

This was an iconic view, but also a signal that the fueling is complete and the rocket is ready.

The liquid oxygen tank fill is complete, and the core stage is full! These tanks hold the propellant that will power the rocket’s four RS-25 engines at #Artemis I liftoff. pic.twitter.com/gnCfZ4PzbP

— NASA_SLS (@NASA_SLS) November 16, 2022

Launch Schedule

• Day: Wednesday November 16, 2022
• Time: 1:04 AM EST
• Window: 120 minutes

Visible Launch Range

Weather permitting, the bright light from the plumes of the Moon rocket’s twin solid rocket boosters and four RS-25 engines could be seen against the dark night sky for up to 70 seconds after liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The rocket and spacecraft will no longer be visible to the naked eye after reaching an altitude of 42,000 feet.

Weather Radar:

Cape Canaveral and Space Coast

Use the controls to switch between radar and wind

Live Broadcast

Mission Details and Videos

Artemis 1: We Are Ready

NASA Video

Artemis Fun Facts

Right now it is the biggest and most powerful rocket to date. Space X’s Starship is aiming to surpass it though.

ROCKET

• Artemis is the name of the mission to the moon.
• SLS stands for Space Launch System

Boosters

• White cylinders on the side.
• They are 17 stories high!
• Each one = power/thrust of 14 four engine jumbo commercial airliners.

Core Stage

• This is the orange cylinder. This is 212 Feet Tall!
• For the launch: This will be filled with 537,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and 196,000 gallons of liquid oxygen.

Orion

• This is the capsule at the top of the rocket. This is where people will ride in future missions.
• Three mannequins are strapped in to seats for this mission.

Among thousands of other momentos on board:

• Girl Scout badges, LEGO minifigures, tree seeds, and Snoopy!
• Snoopy As Zero Gravity Indicator
• A plush animal will be tethered to show zero gravity

I’m pretty sure this will be a HOT Christmas gift this year.

See more about the purpose of Snoopy

Snoopy is going to space! He will be aboard the @NASA_Orion spacecraft as the zero-gravity indicator set to launch August 29. Check out this video to learn more about this special journey! @NASAArtemis #Artemis #SnoopyInSpace pic.twitter.com/xe53KFJ0is

— PEANUTS (@Snoopy) August 26, 2022

Artemis 1 Mission Poster

If viewing on a phone, turn sideways for a larger display.

How We Are Going To The Moon

NASA Video

Launch Broadcast From NASA

This player will show the LIVE event

EXPLORE MORE

NASA SPS

NASA Artemis Mission Site

STEM Assemblies/In School Fields Trips Are Back

Click to see more and ‘Book’ a visit to your school

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