The American space agency NASA launched a super-heavy launch vehicle SLS (Space Launch System) with the Orion spacecraft to the moon. She launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida early in the morning as part of the Artemis 1 mission ("Artemis-1").
Artemis 1 is the first stage of the American "return to the moon" program. Ultimately, the US wants to land astronauts on the surface of the moon for the first time since 1972. This is NASA's largest program yet. First, Orion must test the SLS launch vehicle in unmanned mode: the ship must spend several weeks in orbit of the Moon, and then return to Earth. Orion has placed mannequins with sensors and radiation detectors, as well as research satellites – they are supposed to study the surface of the moon.
The launch was broadcast live.
The launch of the SLS was moved several times. It was scheduled for 29 August but ended up being canceled due to a hydrogen leak and rescheduled for 3 September. But in September it did not take place – also because of a hydrogen leak. Then it was scheduled for September 27, and then canceled due to Tropical Storm Ian.
In 2024, NASA will launch the Artemis 2 mission with a crew on board: four astronauts will have to fly around the moon. The Artemis-3 mission is scheduled for 2025: astronauts will have to land on the surface of the moon.