In the latest development for NASA’s Artemis 1 lunar mission, the spacecraft lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B toward the moon. The US space agency tweeted: “Here we go. The Space Launch System rocket and NASA’s Orion spacecraft fly together for the first time. Artemis I begins a new chapter in human exploration of the Moon.” Earlier, the launch encountered a new obstacle due to a faulty Ethernet switch in the radar stations. NASA reported: “The Eastern Range and launch teams have since resolved the problem that caused the loss of signal from the radar station and are currently conducting the required tests to ensure communication and tracking of the rocket and spacecraft.”
We’re going. @NASA_SLS and @NASA_Orion rockets fly together for the first time. #Artemis I begins a new chapter in human exploration of the Moon. NASA (@NASA) November 16, 2022
The US space agency eyes sending the first woman and the first person of color to the moon by 2025. Three missions are currently planned. Artemis I is an unmanned flight test with no one aboard the Orion spacecraft. The last manned mission to the Moon was the 12-day Apollo 17 mission between December 7 and 19, 1972. “We are returning to the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefit and inspiration… We will work with commercial and international partners to create the first long-term presence on the Moon,” NASA illustrated the mission’s goal.