ARTEMIS I

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.

Snoopy has come home. The "world famous astronaut" splashed down on NASA's Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft in December, and now Snoopy has been removed from the capsule.

San Francisco-based satellite imagery specialist Capella Space raised $60 million from the U.S. Innovative Technology Fund of billionaire Thomas Tull.

This year in space includes NASA's Artemis launch, new James Webb Space Telescope images and a historic mission crashing into an asteroid.

Just weeks after the resounding success of the Artemis I mission, NASA is already moving ahead with Artemis II — even though it won't launch until 2024.

As soon as Artemis I ended so perfectly Sunday, gently splashing down in the pacific, the Orion capsule scorched but intact, NASA looked ahead to Artemis II.

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.

NASA’s Orion capsule is back from the moon.

Follow live updates as NASA targets 12:39 p.m. ET for the Pacific Ocean splashdown of its Orion spacecraft and conclusion of the Artemis I mission.

NASA’s uncrewed Orion spacecraft, part of the Artemis I mission, was due to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 11 after 26 days in space.

NASA planned for a Sunday splashdown off Mexico’s coast for the Orion capsule as the Artemis I mission came to an end.

The Orion capsule flew around the moon for its final time, before heading back to Earth.

The Orion spacecraft is sending back some amazing pictures from its 25-day, 1.3-million-mile journey around the moon.

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.

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.

NASA held an Artemis I mission status briefing Monday to preview Orion's distant retrograde orbit departure on Dec. 1 and recovery assets preparations for Dec. 11 splashdown in the Pacific Ocean (November 28)

NASA is set to bring its latest update on the Artemis I mission on Monday as the mission is now at its midway point.

Orion, which launched into space atop NASA’s mega rocket over a week ago, is preparing to enter into distant retrograde around the moon Friday afternoon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NASA announced on Sunday that the mission management team polled “go” for Orion’s flyby past the moon.

NASA officials hold a news conference at Johnson Space Center in Houston to discuss what the Orion capsule has next ahead of it.

After several scrubbed and delayed attempts, NASA launched Artemis I, bringing the US closer to a moon landing for the first time in 50 years.

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.

As the Artemis I mission rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center early Wednesday morning, people from across Central Florida came out to watch the flight.

The uncrewed launch marks the debut of the most powerful rocket ever assembled and kicks off NASA's long-awaited return to the moon's surface.

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.

The Artemis I mission is expected to launch from Kennedy Space Center during a two-hour launch window that opens at 1:04 a.m. on Wednesday.You don’t have to go out to Cape Canaveral to watch the launch.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference in Fort Walton Beach.

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.

Artemis 1 mission managers say the Space Launch System rocket is still ready for a Nov. 16 launch attempt despite damage caused by Hurricane Nicole.

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.

People who want to view the Artemis rocket launch on the Space Coast may want to check out these spots.

NASA is counting down to this week's planned liftoff of its new moon rocket after an evaluation of hurricane damage.

Artemis I mission management team gave a “go” for the next launch attempt for NASA’s mega moon rocket.

The rocket NASA is hoping to send to the moon next week will stay on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, despite Subtropical Storm Nicole bearing down on Florida.

NASA’s moon rocket is back on the pad for another launch attempt, following more repairs.

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.

The Space Launch System rocket that NASA plans to use for the Artemis I moon mission began another rollout late Thursday to Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39B.

NASA announced they are on track to rollout the Space Launch System rocket with the Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B ahead of its mid-November launch.

NASA hopes to launch the Artemis I moon mission in mid-November, the space agency announced on Wednesday.

After several delays, NASA announced a new date for its next launch attempt of its Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis I mission.

NASA announced that it is focusing its Artemis I planning efforts on the launch period that opens Nov. 12 and closes Nov. 27 to send their mega moon rocket into space.

NASA's Artemis I launch has been delayed multiple times, with a hurricane and hydrogen being two of the latest culprits.

The move will further delay the Artemis I mission by several weeks.

With most of Florida still in the cone of uncertainty for Hurricane Ian, NASA has decided to rollback its massive Space Launch System rocket, effectively ending any possibility of an Oct. 2 launch attempt for Artemis I.

NASA is holding off on a decision on whether or not to rollback Artemis I to the Vehicle Assembly Building as weather forecasts indicated more favorable conditions for a launch.

Ken Kremer, of Space UpClose, joins News 6′s Justin Warmoth on ‘The Weekly’

It was decided during a meeting Saturday morning that teams would stand down from Tuesday’s planned launch attempt.

A crucial test was completed Wednesday to determine whether another launch attempt of the Artemis I mission can happen.

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.

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.

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.

NASA said the latest hydrogen leak on its Artemis I moon rocket should now be fixed, but mission managers still have to test it and that’s why the launch team needs the additional time.

NASA announced the targeted dates for the cryogenic demonstration test and the next launch opportunities for Artemis I on Monday evening.

NASA says work continues at pad 39b fixing the fuel leak that plagued the last launch attempt of Artemis I.

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.

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.

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.

No new launch date has been announced yet as NASA crews try to find a way to stop the leak. The rocket will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, but it’s not known when.

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.

NASA now intends to roll the 322-foot rocket back to the VAB and to reset all systems, so the earliest launch may not be until October.

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.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Saturday the first launch of the Artemis program will be off until October if the Space Launch System rocket has to return to the hangar for repairs. (Sept. 3)

NASA is counting down toward a Saturday launch of its new moon rocket, its second attempt in a week.

As NASA prepares to launch its mega moon rocket, Brevard County officials are preparing for hundreds of thousands of people heading to the coast for the historic launch and holiday weekend.

With one day to go until NASA’s next shot at getting the Artemis I mission off the ground, those in charge provided a timeline update during a pre-launch news briefing Friday morning.

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.

A decade ago, Florida’s Space Coast was in the doldrums. Now, not so much.

Artemis is still set to launch on Saturday afternoon, NASA mission managers said in a briefing Thursday evening.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NASA will try again Saturday to launch its new moon rocket on a test flight.

The next Artemis I moon rocket launch attempt is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 3, NASA mission managers announced Tuesday evening at a teleconference.

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.

NASA is just one day away from launching its most powerful rocket yet for a consequential and long overdue test flight.

With the next launch attempt not taking place until Friday afternoon at the earliest, we want to know what questions you have about the Artemis moon mission.

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.

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.

NASA's Apollo missions already sent astronauts to the moon from 1969 to 1972. But scientists say there's still lots of good science to do there. The moon also could be an ideal stepping stone to Mars.

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.

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.

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.

The Artemis I mission rocket launch is scheduled for Monday morning, and NASA experts are calling it the most powerful rocket to ever launch.

Ahead of Monday's Artemis I mission rocket launch, NASA has provided a list of "the ultimate personal tour guide" tips for those planning to watch the historic launch.

With years of delays, News 6 has asked NASA's senior vehicle operations manager many times about the possible rollout dates and launch windows.

Several restaurants along the Space Coast are planning to open early Monday morning ahead of the planned Artemis I launch, hoping to capitalize on the crowds expected to watch the historic lift-off.

NASA is preparing to send its Space Launch System rocket as part of its Artemis I mission from the Kennedy Space Center.

Meet the test crew taking off on the Artemis I mission.

NASA’s first attempt to launch the Artemis I mission will be Monday, Aug. 29 at 8:33 a.m. from Kennedy Space Center, and Titusville police are warning people traveling in the area about plans to deal with traffic.

NASA is getting ready for another launch with the rollout of the Artemis I mission’s rocket on Tuesday — but this time the rocket’s next destination is expected to be the moon.

NASA crews at Kennedy Space Center are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as they ready for the first launch of the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis I mission.

NASA officials held a teleconference Friday to talk about what’s next for the Artemis I moon mission, forecasting the first flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket no earlier than in late August.