January 1, NASA aims for February launch of first moon rocket since Apollo mission

NASA said it’s aiming to launch its powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in February 2022, marking the first trek to the moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

The agency said the rocket should soon be ready for an upcoming uncrewed flight test around the moon.

Its mission, Artemis I, will be the first step toward a future flight test with a crew. NASA plans to send the first woman and the first person of color to the moon in the coming years.

“It’s hard to put into words what this milestone means, not only to us here at Exploration Ground Systems, but to all the incredibly talented people who have worked so hard to help us get to this point,” said Mike Bolger, Exploration Ground Systems program manager, in a statement. “Our team has demonstrated tremendous dedication preparing for the launch of Artemis I. While there is still work to be done to get to launch, with continued integrated tests and Wet Dress Rehearsal, seeing the fully stacked SLS is certainly a reward for all of us.”

The SLS stands at 332 feet tall and currently sits at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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NASA targeting February for launch of first moon rocket since Apollo mission