NASA's Artemis 1 mission is poised to take a key step toward returning humans to the Moon after a half-century hiatus. The launch was initially scheduled for the morning of Aug. 29, 2022 but was postponed due to an issue with one of the rocket's engines. NASA rescheduled the launch to Sept. 3, 2022, but the second launch attempt was scrubbed due to a hydrogen leak. There are numerous launch "windows" throughout the fall of 2022. The mission is a shakedown cruise – sans crew – for NASA's Space Launch System and Orion Crew Capsule.
The spacecraft is scheduled to travel to the Moon, deploy some small satellites and then settle into orbit. NASA aims to practice operating the spacecraft, test the conditions crews will experience on and around the Moon, and assure everyone that the spacecraft and any occupants can safely return to Earth.
