NASA Prepares for Hurricane Ian Arrival – Assesses Artemis I Forward Plan

With the Artemis I Space Launch System (SLSNASA's Space Launch System (SLS) will be the most powerful rocket they've ever built. As part of NASA's deep space exploration plans, it will launch astronauts on missions to an asteroid and eventually to Mars. As the SLS evolves, the launch vehicle will to be upgraded with more powerful versions. Eventually, the SLS will have the lift capability of 130 metric tons, opening new possibilities for missions to places like Saturn and Jupiter.” data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]”>SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft safely parked in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) after rolling back from Launch Pad 39B Monday night, NASAEstablished in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government that succeeded the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). It is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Its vision is "To discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity." Its core values are "safety, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and inclusion."” data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]”>NASA continues to prioritize its personnel as Hurricane Ian approaches the Kennedy Space Center area. 

A “ride out” team will remain in a safe location at Kennedy throughout the storm to monitor center-wide conditions as part of NASA’s hurricane preparedness protocol. After the storm passes, this team will conduct an assessment of facilities, property, and equipment. Once it is deemed safe for additional employees to return to Kennedy, engineers will extend platforms to re-establish access to the rocket and spacecraft.  

Artemis managers will review options on the extent of work that will be conducted in the VAB before returning to the launch pad or identifying the next opportunity for launch. Technicians will swap out batteries on the rocket’s flight termination system and retest the system prior to the next launch attempt.