Rocket rollback

NASA started rolling the Artemis I Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft with its European Service Module back to the Vehicle Assembly Building on 26 September at 05:21 CEST (04:21 BST).

The return to hangar was based on weather predictions associated with Hurricane Ian, that were not improving around the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center area in Florida, USA. The decision allows time for employees to address the needs of their families and protect the integrated rocket and spacecraft system.

NASA’s Artemis I flight test will be the first integrated test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket, and supporting ground systems.

ESA’s European Service Module will be powering the Orion spacecraft to the Moon and back.

The European Service Module – or ESM – provides for all astronauts’ basic needs, such as water, oxygen, nitrogen, temperature control, power and propulsion. Much like a train engine pulls passenger carriages and supplies power, the European Service Module will take the Orion capsule to its destination and back.