NASA’s massive Space Launch System (SLS) is almost ready for liftoff after facing multiple setbacks, including two scrubbed launch attempts and two hurricane-caused delays. This highly anticipated rocket launch has been over a decade in the making and marks NASA’s return to crewed missions to the Moon. This mission is called Artemis I, and while there won’t be any astronauts on board during this launch, it will serve as a test for the future goal of putting the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
During its first launch, the SLS will catapult NASA’s Orion capsule into space, where it will embark on a voyage around the Moon that is expected to last until December 11th, when it will splash back down into the ocean. On November 4th, NASA rolled the rocket back out to launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida — a four-mile journey that took nearly nine hours.
Now that the rocket has reached its launch pad and successfully weathered its latest storm, here’s how and when you can watch it lift off into space.
When is NASA’s Artemis I launch?
NASA plans on launching the SLS rocket on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022. It will have a two-hour launch window starting at 1:04AM ET. This means the rocket could take off anytime between 1:04AM ET and 3:04AM ET if there are no delays.
How do I watch the Artemis I launch live?
If you can’t make it to the launch in person, NASA is livestreaming it from its website, YouTube channel, and NASA app.
There will be a few other ways to follow along on the mission as well. NASA will have a specialized website called the Artemis Real-time Orbit Website (AROW) that will let people track the mission as it happens. You can also get some updates and watch a livestream of the launch from Alexa-enabled devices. Amazon will be flying a version of Alexa on board the mission.
Will the Artemis 1 launch be visible where I live?
If you’re in Florida or parts of Georgia, you may be able to see the launch if weather conditions are good. People from Savannah to Miami will have just over a minute to spot the rocket as it launches into the night sky.
Update November 15th, 11:08AM ET: Updated to reflect NASA’s new launch time.