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NASA aiming for late August test flight of Artemis 1 flight around moon

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Artemis 1 mission, an uncrewed flight test around the moon, could lift off from the Space Coast as soon as Aug. 29.

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The next couple of weeks will be a flurry of activity at the Kennedy Space Center.

A lot of the work has already been completed on the launch pad inside the Vehicle Assembly Building. Teams have repaired the source of a hydrogen leak, replaced some seals and completed other work. However, there’s more to do before launch day.

READ: NASA calls Artemis I dress rehearsal a success despite missed objectives

Wednesday’s announcement came on the 53rd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

NASA says it will attempt the monthlong lunar test flight with three mannequins but no astronauts. There are also two launch dates set early September, before NASA would have to stand down for two weeks.

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The 30-story Space Launch System rocket and attached Orion capsule are currently in their Florida hangar, following last month’s countdown test.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.