In brief
NASA has kicked off a two-day practice countdown in preparation for the fueling of its new Space Launch System rocket, which is set to launch four astronauts on a lunar flyby. The astronauts, in quarantine to avoid germs, will participate in the historic mission from the Kennedy Space Center. If successful, the launch could take place as early as next week, marking the first manned mission to the moon since 1972.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has begun a two-day practice countdown leading to the crucial fueling test of its new moon rocket. This mission represents a remarkable moment, potentially sending four astronauts on a lunar flyby for the first time since 1972. Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew are currently in quarantine and will monitor the preparations from Houston until they head to Kennedy Space Center, which was previously delayed due to cold weather. If all goes well, the fuel will be loaded into the 322-foot Space Launch System rocket, with a chance to launch within a week. Set to last nearly 10 days, the mission will take the astronauts in the Orion capsule journeying around the moon and back without a stop until they splash down in the Pacific.
