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NASA said it awaited a decision on the launch of Artemis I on Tuesday as preparations for a possible return to the Vehicle Assembly Building continue.
Planners suggested on Saturday that they were ending its Artemis I mission’s attempt to launch to the moon from Kennedy Space Center due to weather forecasts associated with Tropical Storm Ian.
But on Sunday, NASA said it would wait a bit longer before making that decision as weather forecasts pointed to more favorable conditions for a launch.
In a statement, NASA said the latest information indicated a “slower moving and potentially more westerly track of the storm than yesterday’s forecast showed, allowing more time for the process of recovery. agency decision-making and for employees to prioritize their families should the storm impact the Kennedy Space Center area.”
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NASA officials will meet Sunday night to assess whether to back off or stay on the launch pad to preserve an opportunity for a launch attempt next week.
NASA said the exact time of a potential rollback could occur Monday or very early Tuesday morning and would ultimately depend on future weather forecasts.
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The spacecraft must go to the Moon, deploy a few small satellites, and then settle into orbit. NASA aims to train in the use of the spacecraft, test the conditions crews will encounter on and around the Moon, and assure everyone that the spacecraft and all occupants can return to Earth safely.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.