Dive teams practice splashdown recovery for Artemis II
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Fresh off the heels of a successful Artemis I mission, NASA is already preparing for its 2024 Artemis II mission that will take two astronauts around the moon. On Monday, dive teams practiced splashdown recovery operations at the Kennedy Space Center. That training will be going on for months and prepare the teams to recover the crew after splashdown. Once the astronauts splash down after their trip around the moon, they’ll exit the Orion capsule on an inflatable front porch, where they’ll be picked up by helicopters and flown back to the recovery ship. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I moon mission ends as Orion capsule splashes down in Pacific Ocean
NASA’s historic Artemis I mission around the moon ended Sunday as the Orion spacecraft capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. pic.twitter.com/ORxCtGa9v7 — NASA (@NASA) December 11, 2022The spacecraft successfully separated from its service module at 12 p.m. EST, NASA officials said. The splashdown occurred on the 50th anniversary of the last time astronauts touched down on the moon, according to Space.com. Artemis is NASA’s program to return astronauts to the surface of the moon and achieve other goals in space, according to The Wall Street Journal. Artemis 2 is expected to send astronauts around the moon in 2024, according to Space.com.
wftv.comOrion spacecraft to leave moon’s orbit and begin journey back to Earth
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — The Orion spacecraft is getting ready to head back to Earth. NASA’s Artemis I mission management team gave the “Go” Wednesday for the spacecraft to leave its distant retrograde orbit on the moon starting Thursday afternoon. Read: NASA cancels greenhouse gas monitoring satellite due to costIt has been traveling around the moon since last Friday. NASA flight director Zebulon Scoville said Orion is being pushed to its limits. Orion’s moon flyby with astronauts is set for 2024, with a lunar landing planned for a year later.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I moon mission begins journey home to Earth
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA has shared amazing photos and videos of the Earth and the moon from its ongoing Artemis I mission. The Orion spacecraft reached its farthest distance from the Earth on Monday, setting a spectacular record of almost 270,000 miles. Watch: NASA’s Artemis I mission reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuverIt’s only a matter of days now until Orion returns to Earth. NASA engineers have been receiving data from Orion throughout its journey around the moon, but retrieving the spacecraft after splashdown will help the agency prepare for future missions with astronauts. Read: Space diversity: Europe’s space agency gets 1st parastronautSee more in the video above.
wftv.comOrion spacecraft completes close flyby of moon. Here’s what’s next
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA’s Orion spacecraft completed its closest flyby of the moon earlier Monday, coming within just 81 miles of the lunar surface. Now, Orion is preparing to enter an elliptical orbit around the moon where its systems will be put to the test. READ: NASA’s Artemis I rocket begins journey to moon after launching from Florida’s Space CoastLater this week, teams plan to place Orion into a distant retrograde orbit that will take it 40,000 miles past the moon before its return to Earth, allowing teams to test out the spacecraft’s system. The Artemis 1 mission is expected to conclude on Dec. 11, when Orion splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, but not before a major test of the spacecraft’s heat shield during re-entry. READ: ‘We are going’: Artemis I successfully blasts off from Cape CanaveralVIDEO: NASA’s Artemis I rocket begins journey to moon NASA and others around the world are celebrating another historic moment on Florida’s Space Coast.
wftv.comJack Kazanzas Star rises to shine holiday light on downtown Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — Visitors of downtown Orlando can feast their eyes on a returning holiday tradition. The Jack Kazanzas Star is now hanging over Orange Avenue at Central Boulevard. Watch: NASA’s Artemis I mission reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuverCrews worked over the weekend to raise the beacon for the holidays. Read: Tow to Go: AAA can get you and your car home safely this ThanksgivingThe star is a tradition dating back more than 50 years, symbolizing the start of Orlando’s holiday season. Watch: Orlando International Airport sees holiday travel swell ahead of ThanksgivingThe golden star weighs 600 pounds, and has more than 4,000 LED lights.
wftv.comOrlando International Airport sees holiday travel swell ahead of Thanksgiving
ORLANDO, Fla. — Holiday travel is heating up once again at Orlando International Airport. Watch: NASA’s Artemis I mission reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuverThe busiest travel day before the holiday will be Wednesday. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Orlando International Airport gears up for busy Thanksgiving travel jumpSaturday, Sunday and next Monday will also be some of the busiest days. Read: Tow to Go: AAA can get you and your car home safely this ThanksgivingAirport leaders said this holiday season will rival pre-pandemic levels. “We’ll have more than 1.75 million passengers going through during this holiday season.
wftv.comFDOT, FHP troopers share holiday travel safety advice
ORLANDO, Fla. — Traffic has been building in and around Central Florida as the busy holiday travel season is underway. Thousands of people will be driving on Central Florida’s highways ahead of Thanksgiving. FDOT uses transportation management centers to help direct and avoid congestion, so that drivers are safe. Thanksgiving travel numbers this year are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I mission reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuver
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA’s Artemis I mission has reached the moon. The Orion spacecraft will perform its first powered lunar flyby maneuver Monday morning. Video: Artemis I spacecraft reaches moon for first powered flyby maneuver NASA’s Artemis I mission has reached the moon. Watch: NASA leaders confirm discovery of artifact from space shuttle ChallengerThe mission is a vital test in NASA’s efforts to get astronauts back on the moon in the next few years. Channel 9 will continue to monitor the Artemis I mission and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comNASA’s Artemis I rocket begins journey to moon after launching from Florida’s Space Coast
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA and others around the world are celebrating another historic moment on Florida’s Space Coast. Several setbacks overnight didn’t hold NASA back from finally launching its new Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis I mission. Photos: NASA launches Artemis 1 moon rocket from Florida’s Space CoastExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 27 NASA launches Artemis I moon rocket from Florida’s Space Coast After multiple delays, the Artemis I successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center early Wednesday. Despite the early morning liftoff at 1:47 a.m., thousands packed into the coast near Kennedy Space Center to see the historic launch. pic.twitter.com/9dBSBzQ6wI — NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) November 16, 2022Thousands cheered as they watched the mega rocket blast off into space.
wftv.comLIVE UPDATES: Artemis I moon rocket launch window hours away
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Teams at NASA are making their final preparations for the next launch attempt for NASA’s Artemis I mission. The two-hour launch window opens at 1:04 a.m., marking the third Artemis launch attempt. The 25-day uncrewed flight around the moon will test the capabilities of both the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. The SLS liquid hydrogen tank is being topped off and will continue to be replenished as the liquid oxygen tank continues filling. pic.twitter.com/CZ988YUnzV — NASA_SLS (@NASA_SLS) November 15, 2022Video: NASA set for launch of Artemis I moon rocket from Florida’s Space Coast Teams at NASA are making their final preparations for the next launch attempt for NASA’s Artemis 1 mission.
wftv.comNASA set for launch of Artemis I moon rocket from Florida’s Space Coast
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Teams at NASA are making their final preparations for the next launch attempt for NASA’s Artemis I mission. NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft have been sitting on its launchpad for more than a week and survived winds from Hurricane Nicole. Read: NASA: Moon rocket endured hurricane, set for 1st test flightThe planned launch for Wednesday at 1:04 a.m. will be NASA’s third attempt to send Artemis I around the moon. Watch: NASA leaders confirm discovery of artifact from space shuttle ChallengerThe last two launch attempts were scrubbed due to technical issues with the rocket. Read: Space plane landing at Kennedy Space Center likely source for mysterious sonic boomTanking operations are set to take place Tuesday afternoon.
wftv.com‘All hands on deck’ for Titusville restaurant open for overnight Artemis I launch
At Pier 220 under the A. Max Brewer Bridge, Pier 220 General Manager Samantha Ablan said even though Wednesday’s Artemis I launch attempt is at 1:04 a.m., the restaurant with a direct view of Kennedy Space Center and launch pad 39B expects to stay open late.
Artemis I begins rollout to launch pad at Kennedy Space Center
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — For the fourth time this year, NASA’s Artemis I has begun the slow process of rolling out to the historic Launch Complex 39B. Hurricane Ian forced NASA to move SLS and Orion to safety inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, delaying NASA’s most recent launch attempt. READ: NASA’s next moonshot: What you should know about the Artemis lunar programArtemis I is an uncrewed flight test around the moon. READ: Artemis I: 9 things to know about NASA’s mission to return humans to the moonNASA is on target to launch its uncrewed mission around the moon on Nov. 14. Read: NASA hopes Artemis mission will inspire diversity, inclusion in future of spaceVIDEO: Artemis I rollout set for overnight at Kennedy Space Center Artemis I rollout set for overnight at Kennedy Space CenterClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comNASA planning critical test ahead of next Artemis I launch attempt
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A critical test is expected to happen for the Artemis I mission in the next 48 hours. Teams need to make sure the massive moon rocket and Orion spacecraft are ready for launch, and workers have fixed a troublesome hydrogen leak. The launch team plans to load the SLS core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage with super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to confirm the hydrogen leak that scrubbed the last launch attempt has been repaired. READ: NASA announces 2 potential launch windows for Artemis ILater this week, ahead of the agency’s next launch attempt, the replacement seals will be tested under the same conditions that the systems will experience on launch day. TIMELINE: NASA scrubs launch of Artemis I due to technical issues with engineVideo: NASA to conduct test on mega moon rocket to see if technical issues are fixed NASA crews are preparing for an important test for its Artemis I mission.
wftv.comNASA to conduct test on mega moon rocket to see if technical issues are fixed
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA crews are preparing for an important test for its Artemis I mission. Watch: NASA announces 2 potential launch windows for Artemis IEngineers will try to prove this week that they fixed the problem that scrubbed the last launch attempt. Read: Scrubbed Artemis I launch: What’s next? NASA officials are planning to give an update Monday on the upcoming test. Read: Artemis I: 9 things to know about NASA’s mission to return humans to the moonThe earliest launch date for Artemis I is Sept. 27.
wftv.comPresident Joe Biden to visit Orlando this month
ORLANDO, Fla. — President Joe Biden will visit Orlando later this month, the White House said Friday. Biden will travel to Orlando on Sept. 27 for a Democratic National Committee rally. The White House said it will release more details about the event at a later date. Officials have not said whether Biden will travel to Kennedy Space Center for the launch. Read: Police: Apopka High on lockdown while police investigate shooting near schoolPresident Biden announces 'moonshot' effort to cut cancer death rates President Joe Biden was in Boston Monday to discuss a plan dubbed "Cancer Moonshot," aimed at cutting down the U.S> cancer death rate.
wftv.comArtemis I update: Crews to replace quick disconnect seal on SLS while on launch pad, NASA says
NASA announced on Tuesday evening that they have decided to replace the quick disconnect seal between the liquid hydrogen fuel feed line on the mobile launcher and the Space Launch System rocket while at the launch pad.
Scrubbed Artemis I launch: What’s next?
BREVARD COUNTT, Fla. — The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are still grounded after a hydrogen leak scrubbed NASA’s latest launch attempt on Saturday for its Artemis I mission. The massive moon rocket and Orion spacecraft remain sitting on Launch Pad 39B ahead of its uncrewed mission around the moon. LIVE UPDATES: NASA scrubs 2nd attempt to launch Artemis I moon rocketExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Photos: NASA's Artemis I moon rocket on track for Monday launch In this handout image provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B as preparations for launch continue at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on August 28, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA’s next launch attempt isn’t likely to come before late September of October. READ: Artemis 1 rollout is first step for historic missionVIDEO: No date set for 3rd Artemis launch attempt The Artemis I mission will remain grounded for now while NASA works to address the problem that caused another scrub.
wftv.comBrevard County businesses hope for another boost from next Artemis I launch attempt
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA is working to set a new timeline for its third launch attempt of the Artemis I mission. Read: NASA scrubs 2nd attempt to launch Artemis I moon rocketNASA is set to update the launch’s timeline later this week, but the last update said the next attempt will likely be in October. Read: Spectators camp out for historic Artemis I launchAn October attempt, she said, could bring more visitors back in the fall. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Thousands of sightseers are setup and ready to watch NASA’s launch of Artemis I. VIDEO: No date set for 3rd Artemis launch attempt The Artemis I mission will remain grounded for now while NASA works to address the problem that caused another scrub.
wftv.comSpaceX to launch 51 Starlink satellites, orbital transfer vehicle
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — While NASA’s Artemis I mission has yet to launch, fans still have a chance to see a rocket light up the sky Sunday evening. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 51 Starlink satellites is set to launch from the Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. VIDEO: No date set for 3rd Artemis launch attemptThe rocket will also carry Spaceflight’s orbital transfer vehicle, Sherpa-LTC. The instantaneous launch window is scheduled to start at 10:09 p.m. Eastern Time. Read: NASA: Artemis I rocket will not launch on MondayChannel 9 will stream the launch here.
wftv.comNASA provides update on scrubbed Artemis I launch
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA provided an update Saturday after its second launch attempt of the Artemis I rocket was scrubbed at around 11 a.m. The trouble started at 7:30 a.m. when a fuel leak was detected on a hydrogen tank during initial fueling. Read: What’s expected after the Artemis I launch? ‘Gridlock,’ ‘bumper-to-bumper traffic’Officials said the hydrogen leak that occurred on Saturday was different from the hydrogen leak on Aug. 29. Read: Tank leak forces NASA to scrub Artemis I launch Saturday afternoonNASA said safety is at the top of its priority list.
wftv.comNASA to give update Friday on Artemis I moon rocket ahead of weekend launch
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA will give an update Friday on efforts to finally get the Artemis I mission off the launchpad. Watch: NASA sets new launch date for Artemis I moon rocketNASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion Spacecraft are still stilling on the launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. NASA said so far everything is on track for Saturday’s planned launch. Watch: TIMELINE: NASA scrubs launch of Artemis I due to technical issues with engineThat includes providing the correct amount of hydrogen to all four engines. Channel 9 will listen to the NASA briefing Friday morning and bring you the latest on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comHey parents, your ‘future voyagers’ can visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex free in September
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A new mission to inspire the next generation of space explorers is set to launch at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in September. For the entire month, children ages 3-11 can take advantage of free one-day admission as part of the Future Voyagers program. “There’s so much to offer young explorers here at the visitor complex,” Therrin Protze, COO of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, said in a news release. A visit here piques interest, inspires thought and stokes curiosity, all things that lead to innovation and discovery.”READ: Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex lands at Kennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexSaturday, the new date for the Artemis I launch, is blocked out from the special tickets. Children under 3 are always free to enter the visitor complex.
wftv.comMore visitors expected on Space Coast as Artemis I launch bumped to Labor Day weekend
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA is preparing for its second Artemis I launch attempt, set for Saturday afternoon. TIMELINE: NASA scrubs launch of Artemis I due to technical issues with engineThe next launch attempt is set for Saturday, over Labor Day weekend. It was initially estimated there would be 100,000 to 200,000 visitors for Monday’s launch attempt. READ: NASA sets new launch date for Artemis I moon rocketExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Thousands of sightseers are setup and ready to watch NASA’s launch of Artemis I. READ: Spectators camp out for historic Artemis I launchVideo: NASA hopes Artemis mission will inspire diversity, inclusion in future of space The Artemis mission aims to send the first woman and the first person of color to the surface of the moon.
wftv.comNASA sets new launch date for Artemis I moon rocket
KENEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — There are only a few more days until NASA will try again to launch its new moon rocket. Watch: TIMELINE: NASA scrubs launch of Artemis I due to technical issues with engineNASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft for its Artemis I mission are still on the launchpad Wednesday morning. Launch teams announced Tuesday night that NASA will try again to launch the SLS rocket on Saturday. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Thousands of sightseers are setup and ready to watch NASA’s launch of Artemis I. Video: A closer look at structure of NASA’s SLS rocket Channel 9’s Rusty McCranie details the parts and materials used to build NASA’s SLS rocket.
wftv.comVery hot Wednesday ahead in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s going to be a very hot day in Central Florida. Watch: NASA announces new targeted launch date for Artemis IThe average high temperature for our area should reach around 94 degrees. Central Florida will see a 50% chance of scattered afternoon rain and storms. Channel 9 continues to track the tropics and thankfully, there is nothing threatening Florida. Very hot Wednesday ahead in Central FloridaIf the tropical disturbance in the Central Atlantic doesn’t get a name today (odds are it will not), this will be the first time in 25 years that we’ve gone through August without a named storm.
wftv.comNASA to give update after moon rocket launch scrubbed over engine issues
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — After mission leaders scrubbed the first launch attempt of NASA’s new moon rocket Monday, many are wondering when the next attempt will be. Watch: TIMELINE: NASA scrubs launch of Artemis I due to technical issues with engineNASA’s Space Launch System rocket is still grounded Tuesday morning after engine issues halted its planned Monday launch. Photos: Thousands gather for launch of SLS rocket for Artemis I mission to the moonExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Thousands of sightseers are setup and ready to watch NASA’s launch of Artemis I. Video: A closer look at structure of NASA’s SLS rocket Channel 9’s Rusty McCranie details the parts and materials used to build NASA’s SLS rocket. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)NASA officials said they are planning to give an update Tuesday evening on the status of the SLS rocket and Artemis 1 mission.
wftv.comSpace Coast drivers should expect traffic issues during launch of Artemis I at KSC
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Tens of thousands of visitors will head to Florida’s Space Coast on Monday for the launch of Artemis I. Florida’s Space Coast of Tourism said visitors should expect traffic delays and lane closures surrounding the historic launch. Photos: Space Coast drivers should expect traffic issues during launch of Artemis I at KSCExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Space Coast drivers should expect traffic issues during launch of Artemis I at KSCHowever, there are plenty of locations in Titusville, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach to view the launch. Watch: NASA releases ghostly sound recorded from black holePort Canaveral’s Jetty Park will open at 5 a.m. until it reaches capacity on launch day. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comNASA: Artemis is still a go despite several lightning strikes near the launchpad
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA officials said things appear to be on schedule for Monday’s launch of Artemis I, despite some tense moments after several lightning strikes near the launch pad Saturday afternoon. Crews worked throughout the night testing systems on the SLS and other parts of the spacecraft, ensuring there wasn’t any damage. Read: Official countdown for Artemis I mission has begunNASA test director Jeff Spalding said the 600-foot lightning towers near the launch pad did their job, keeping lightning away from the rocket and spacecraft. Overnight, we powered-up @NASA_SLS’s core stage components for the #Artemis I launch, including the avionics boxes located inside the core stage. The boxes are connected to various sensors and flight computers to command and control the rocket during tanking, liftoff, and ascent.
wftv.comSpace Coast is getting ready for Artemis I launch this weekend
NASA said the goal of the launch is to ultimately send more astronauts to the moon. Read: Official countdown for Artemis I mission has begunAgency leaders are calling it one of the most significant launches in recent history. The launch is expected to draw huge crowds to the Space Coast, and if it is successful, NASA will send a crew to the Moon’s orbit on Artemis II in a few years. The uncrewed #Artemis I mission around the Moon will pave the way for future crewed missions and begin a new chapter of exploration. pic.twitter.com/fT1tMiGjeb — NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) August 24, 2022Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Photos: NASA's Artemis I moon rocket arrives at launch pad In this handout image provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center on August 17, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
wftv.comTracking the tropics: Tropical disturbances could form
ORLANDO, Fla. — There are signs that tropical development is increasing across the Atlantic Basin this weekend. The main area that Severe Weather Center 9 is watching is a tropical wave in the central Atlantic. By next week, meteorologist George Waldenberger said this has a chance of becoming a tropical depression. pic.twitter.com/4mk4d5Y582 — George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) August 27, 2022Either way, he said this will mean watching the further development and ultimate track into Labor Day weekend and beyond. Waldenberger said there is a lot of uncertainty and a long time to watch, so be sure to stay updated.
wftv.comOfficial countdown for Artemis I mission has begun
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — There’s been a lot of excitement with the upcoming Artemis I mission on the Space Coast. The Artemis I uncrewed flight test around the moon will prepare NASA for future flights with astronauts. Read: Final inspections underway ahead of Artemis I launch, countdown begins SaturdayMuch of the agency’s future space exploration depends on this mission and the successful test of new space technology. And the Artemis I mission will be used as a “proving ground” for future human exploration of Mars and a safe journey for the future crew on Artemis II. Read: Brevard County officials: Expect traffic delays on Space Coast for Artemis 1 launch“This is something that has not been done in 50 years and is incredibly difficult,” said Mike Sarafin, the Artemis mission manager.
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