You can watch the historic expedition live and for free online as NASA's massive Artemis 1 rocket counts down to its scheduled launch to the moon on August 29.
Leading up to the unmanned launch on NASA's first Space Launch System megarocket from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space agency will hold a series of Artemis 1 webcasts this week and the next.
Beginning on Aug. 22 and continuing through launch day, the briefings will feature special guests such stars Chris Evans, Jack Black, and Keke Palmer. In the internet live feed, you can already see real-time views of the Artemis 1 moon rocket perched atop its pad.
This month's launch should put on quite a display because the last time a rocket this powerful thundered off a KSC pad was back in 1973 when a Saturn V moon rocket launched Skylab into orbit, ending the Apollo era.
Those fortunate enough to attend the Artemis 1 spectacle in Florida will be treated to the shock and amazement of 8.8 million pounds of thrust defying gravity and lifting the sleek SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft into the heavens. For the rest of us, NASA has just announced the time slot for the free live stream broadcast so we can follow the mission from the comfort and safety of our own homes.
Prelaunch activities will begin on Monday, Aug. 22, and live event coverage will be provided via NASA Television, the NASA mobile app, and the agency's official website. The launch countdown begins Saturday, Aug. 27, at 10:23 a.m. ET. Sure, it won't provide the same epic experience as the Earth-shaking blastoff, but it's the next best thing and you won't have to deal with the heat, parking hassles, or massive crowds.
On the day of the launch, there will be a patriotic performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Josh Groban and Herbie Hancock. The Philadelphia Orchestra and cellist Yo-Yo Ma will then perform "America the Beautiful," conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
On Monday, Aug. 22, one week before launch, NASA Artemis 1 mission managers will convene for a day-long Flight Readiness Review to determine whether the Artemis 1 SLS rocket is ready for launch. At 7 p.m. NASA will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) to discuss the meeting's outcomes and whether the Artemis 1 moon rocket will still launch on Aug. 29.
Check out NASA's detailed coverage schedule for a complete rundown of all the talks and activities surrounding Artemis 1's thrilling flight.
