The launch of Artemis I will not occur on November 14 after NASA decided late this afternoon to delay the launch due to the approach of Tropical Storm Nicole. This delay will allow employees time to prepare their homes for the storm and post-storm inspections of the Kennedy Space Center facilities.
Artemis I is now expected to launch on Wednesday, November 16, at 12:04 am Central Time. NASA still has another backup launch date on Saturday, November 19, and is coordinating with the 45th Space Wing for additional launch opportunities.
The new launch date would have a mission duration of 26-28 days and splashdown on December 11.
Earlier today, Kennedy Space Center activated its Hurricane Preparedness plan and is currently at HURCON III (Hurricane Condition).
This HURCON status means that the center is 48 hours away from being impacted by 58 mph winds and includes securing facilities and briefing the Ride Out Team. The Ride Out Team will stay at KSC during the storm to monitor flight hardware for Artemis I and conditions center-wide. Once KSC enters HURCON II, all non-essential personnel is released.
When the storm has passed, teams will be ready to resume work as soon as the weather allows. At that time, teams will inspect the launch pad and surrounding facilities and assess the rocket.
NASA has decided the Space Launch System (SLS), which was moved back to the launch pad on November 3 after sheltering inside the VAB during Hurricane Ian, will remain at the launch pad based on current wind forecasts. In preparation for the storm, the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft have been powered down, and hatches on the spacecraft sealed to prevent water from entering. Teams are also securing hardware and performing walk-downs to ensure there is no debris in the area.
NASA states that the SLS can withstand 85 mph winds at the 60-foot level. During Hurricane Ian, a wind station located at the launch pad recorded a wind gust of 89 mph. Currently, Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane with potential 74-110 mph wind impacting the area.
Follow @NWSMelbourne for updates on the status of Nicole and HURCON status updates for Kennedy Space Center at NASA.gov.
