Space - the final frontier (Misc.) II

[Bamaro]

NASA delays Artemis 2 moon launch to March after encountering issues during fueling test​

NASA had been targeting Feb. 8 for the launch of its Artemis 2 mission, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon and back to Earth. But the agency just moved the timeline back, after experiencing several issues during a key prelaunch exercise called a wet dress rehearsal. There are five potential launch dates available in March for Artemis 2, which will lift off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida: March 6-9 and March 11. If the mission can't make any of those dates, another window opens in April, with launch possible on April 1, April 3-6 and April 30.​

 

[Bazza]

 

[Bazza]

 

[Bazza]

Another pic!

 

[Elefantman]

I've been trying to find out if the Artemis II will remain at the launch site or return to the assembly building. Apparently, that decision has not been made at this time.

 

[Bazza]

I've been trying to find out if the Artemis II will remain at the launch site or return to the assembly building. Apparently, that decision has not been made at this time.

Well it wasn't after the first time - but 3rd time is the charm, apparently......so back she goes......

 

[Ledsteplin]

Planetary Alignment on February 28, 2026: How to See Six Planets After Sunset

Six planets are above the horizon after sunset around Feb 28, 2026. Start 30–60 min after sunset; low western horizon. Four of the six planets will be visible to the naked eye!

starwalk.space

 

[Bamaro]

Sadly, looks like Artemis is experiencing more delays:

Artemis II — a lunar fly-around by four astronauts — is off until at least April because of rocket problems.

The follow-up mission — Artemis III — had been targeting a landing near the moon’s south pole by another pair of astronauts a year or two later. But with concern growing over the readiness of a lunar lander and moonwalking suits and long gaps between flights, NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman announced that mission would instead focus on launching a lunar lander into orbit around Earth for practice in 2027.

The new plan calls for a moon landing — potentially even two moon landings — by astronauts in 2028.

 

[crimsonaudio]

 

[Bazza]

 

[Bazza]

NASA’s Artemis II moon mission is planned to launch in one week from today.

For the first time in 50 years, a crewed rocket is set to fly around the moon.

Four astronauts will be launched on a 10-day journey around the moon before coming back to Earth.

“[This is] the most important human spaceflight mission in more than half a century... sending astronauts farther than ever before,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said.

“America will never again give up the moon.”

https://twitter.com/x/status/2036901439449292964

 

[Bamaro]

This launch concerns me more than any since the Mercury 7 astranauts were chosen.

 

[Tidewater]

Comet "MAPS" coming in early April.

 

[Its On A Slab]

Comet "MAPS" coming in early April.

I was living in Dothan when Hale-Bopp made its appearance. It was so bright that, even with artificial lights, street lights, it was incredibly visible. Long tail across the sky.

 

[Tidewater]

I was living in Dothan when Hale-Bopp made its appearance. It was so bright that, even with artificial lights, street lights, it was incredibly visible. Long tail across the sky.

This one is going to go really close to the sun's photosphere so it may burn up or get ripped apart by tidal forces, but if it survives perihelion, it might put on a show in the evening sky.