NASA Sets Jan. 17 For SLS Rollout
CAPE CANAVERAL—NASA plans to roll out the next Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule on Jan. 17 or soon after ahead of launch of the Artemis II mission to send astronauts into deep space for the first time in more than 52 years.
After rollout, NASA plans a fueling test and practice countdown, expected in late January. Mission managers then will convene a flight readiness review to determine Artemis II's launch date. The agency is assessing launch options as early as Feb. 6, the opening of the first of three launch periods, based on orbital mechanics.
The purpose of the approximately 10-day flight is to send the Orion capsule on a shakedown cruise around the Moon with four astronauts aboard. NASA next plans a human landing on the Moon during the Artemis III mission, possibly in 2028.
The Artemis II launch opportunities are Feb. 6-11, except for Feb. 9; March 6-11, except for March 10; and April 1-6, except for April 2.
“There are several primary parameters that dictate launch availability within these periods,” NASA noted in a mission status update released late Jan. 9. “Because of its unique trajectory relative to subsequent lunar landing missions, these key constraints are unique to the Artemis II test flight.”
The SLS is intended to deliver the Orion spacecraft into a high Earth orbit where the astronauts and ground teams will evaluate the spacecraft’s life-support systems prior to departure toward the Moon. If cleared, Orion will then conduct a trans-lunar injection burn to put it on course to fly past the Moon on a so-called “free-return” trajectory that uses the Moon’s gravity to send the spacecraft back to Earth without additional major propulsive maneuvers.
“The trajectory for a given day must ensure Orion is not in darkness for more than 90 min. at a time so that the solar array wings can receive and convert sunlight to electricity, and the spacecraft can maintain an optimal temperature range,” NASA said, adding that potential launch dates that would send Orion into extended eclipses during the 10-day flight were eliminated.
The launch date also needs to support a trajectory that accommodates the planned re-entry profile, the agency said.
“In addition to the launch opportunities based on orbital mechanics and performance requirements, there are limitations on which days within a launch period can be viable based on commodity replenishment, weather, and other users on the Eastern Range schedule,” NASA added.
The Artemis II flight test is due to be commanded by NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, with Victor Glover serving as the pilot. They are slated to be joined by NASA’s Christina Cook and the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen.
The rollout from Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B, located about 4 mi. away, is expected to take up to about 12 hrs. “Teams are working around the clock to close out all tasks ahead of rollout,” NASA said.
The targeted Jan. 17 date could change based on technical issues or the weather. “We have important steps remaining on our path to launch,” Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, said in a statement. “Crew safety will remain our top priority at every turn, as we near humanity’s return to the Moon.”
