NASA has taken the huge SLS rocket from the Artemis 1 mission to a shelter in a hangar to protect it from Hurricane Ian. Just a few hours later, a fire broke out in the vehicle assembly plant, but it does not appear to be serious. But under these conditions, it is hard to believe in a possible attempt to send the Orion capsule to the Moon earlier than November 12.

A new attempt was to be made on September 27, with a backup date of October 2, but due to Hurricane Ian, these plans did not hold up.

The rocket was taken into shelter, in a hangar, to protect it from strong winds that could destroy it. It will have to sit in the hangar for a while, a few consumables will need to be replaced, and it’s very hard to believe that a release could happen in September.

The “window” that opens on November 12 looks more realistic.

NASA talks about the need to replace so-called “life-limited items”. Some components need to be checked periodically, others need to be replaced (for example, some batteries in critical systems). You should also check the fuel tanks in detail.

The rocket stood in the open for more than a month.

NASA has reiterated that it will not rush or take risks until everything is in order. The mission is 5 years late and costs several billion dollars.

Sources: phys.org, CNBC