NASA one step closer to historic launch of Artemis I

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA is one step closer to the countdown to the historic launch of its uncrewed mission around the moon.

Late Tuesday evening crews began the rollout of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to launchpad 39B.

READ: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex announces ticket packages for Artemis I launch

After completing the 4-mile, 12-hour journey to the pad, work will begin to prepare the rocket for launch.

Artemis I is the first in a series of missions that NASA says will pave the way for future crewed missions to the moon and Mars.

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Artemis I Rollout CAPE CANAVERAL, FL - AUGUST 17: 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 as it rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center on August 17, 2022 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA's Artemis I mission is the first integrated test of the agency's deep space exploration systems, which includes the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket, and supporting ground systems. Launch of the uncrewed flight test is targeted for no earlier than August 29. (Photo by Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images) (NASA/Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images)

READ: NASA teams prepare for its Artemis I moon mission with testing

The uncrewed test flight is expected to last about 42 days and end with the Orion spacecraft landing off the coast of Baja, California.

NASA is targeting the Artemis I launch for around 8:33 a.m. on Aug. 29.

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