NPR: NASA won’t try to launch the Artemis 1 moon mission again for at least a few weeks

Updated September 3, 20226:48 PM ET
By: NELL GREENFIELDBOYCE & JOE HERNANDEZ

NASA’s Space Launch System rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Saturday before the planned launch was scrubbed due to fuel leaks.
NASA/Getty Images

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has delayed any new launch attempt for the Artemis moon mission until at least Sept. 19 after scrapping a planned launch on Saturday.

The decision on Saturday morning was the second time in a week the launch had been postponed.

The official scrub announcement from Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson came around 11:19 a.m. ET after several unsuccessful attempts to stop a leak of liquid hydrogen fuel.

Officials announced Saturday afternoon that they wouldn’t attempt another launch during the current launch period, which ends on Tuesday. Instead they said the earliest they could try for another launch would be late September.

“We do not launch until we think it’s right,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said.

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Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing at Rinderer Park

Image credit: Simon Menz

The River Bend Astronomy Club invites you to experience the total lunar eclipse at Rinderer Park and see closeups of the Moon’s surface through our telescopes.  On Sunday, 5/15/2022, from 9:00 PM – 12:30 AM, club members will be on hand with their telescopes as well as their expertise to explain how eclipses occur, why we do not have one every month, and to answer any questions you may have about the Moon, astronomy, or telescopes.  There will be some hands-on activities as well.  Rinderer Park is located at 2548 Veterans Honor Parkway, Highland, IL 62249. Proceed with caution when entering the park as telescopes will be set up along the drive across from the playground.  Restrooms at the park will be open. The timeline of the eclipse is as follows: 9:28pm–partial eclipse begins; 10:29pm–totality begins; 11:11pm–maximum eclipse; 11:54pm–totality ends. Please note that this event may be cancelled due to rain or complete cloud cover.  The River Bend Astronomy Club ~RBAC Facebook page or the RBAC website, www.riverbendastro.org will have any cancellation posted.

River Bend Astronomy Club serves amateur astronomers of the American Bottom, the Mississippi River Bluffs and beyond, fostering observation, education, and a spirit of camaraderie. Visit our website to locate upcoming activities, astronomy resources, or membership information. To schedule an event through our Outreach Coordinator, complete the form online or email president@riverbendastro.org.