UPDATE: NASA postpones moving Artemis I rocket back to VAB
Update: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center has rescheduled return its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back into the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Originally set for Thursday, the rollback is now set for Friday at 6 p.m.
The delay is due to a concern with the condition of the crawlerway that leads Launch Pad 39B to the VAB, NASA said.
Teams have rescheduled the return of the @NASA_SLS rocket and @NASA_Orion spacecraft to the VAB to Friday, July 1 due a concern with the condition of the crawlerway that leads from Launch Pad 39B to the VAB. First motion is now planned for 6pm EDT. https://t.co/p8zzh0m03X pic.twitter.com/u306znNRKK
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) June 30, 2022
Read our previous story below:
NASA announced it will begin the rollback of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft from the pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Thursday evening.
The rocket for NASA’s Artemis I mission has been at Kennedy Space Center’s launch pad 39B since June 6, while crews conducted several key tests of the rocket.
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We are capable.
The prelaunch rehearsal is complete. Soon, #Artemis I will fly on an uncrewed mission around the Moon. Humanity's return to the lunar surface is imminent. https://t.co/SqKtL6kwjT pic.twitter.com/5wfLgmQmAo— NASA (@NASA) June 30, 2022
Read: NASA calls Artemis I dress rehearsal a success despite missed objectives
NASA said the 4-mile trek from the launch pad to the VAB will begin at 8 p.m. and take approximately 8 to 12 hours to complete.
Officials had previously planned to begin moving the rocket on July 1 but changed the date due to weather concerns.
Read: NASA executes critical countdown test for the Artemis I moon mission
Once back inside the VAB, teams will replace a seal to address a liquid hydrogen leak that was detected during the wet dress rehearsal.
Read: Final preparations underway for NASA’s next Artemis I wet dress rehearsal
NASA said that once final servicing and checkouts are complete, the “mega Moon rocket” will head to the pad for final preparations for launch sometime later this year.
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