The launch of Artemis 1, NASA's maiden flight on Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, as it prepares to take humans back to the Moon in 2025, was called off again, foregoing the launch opportunity on September 27 as Tropical Storm Ian moved toward the Florida coast.

NASA is closely monitoring the storm, which is expected to worsen to a hurricane, while preparing for roll back to its assembly building at the Kennedy Space Centre. The decision to roll back or remain at the launch pad would be made on Monday, September 26. If NASA could keep the rocket on the pad, it would preserve the chance of a launch attempt on October 2. However, a rollback would result in a longer delay for the test flight, as the launch window ends on October 4, followed by a two-week blackout.

Analyst QuickTake: This is the third delay for the launch in the past month, as the first two attempts were called off due to technical issues. The Artemis 1, which was scheduled to launch on 29 August, was delayed due to engine problems and fuel leaks , while the second launch attempt on September 3 was also delayed due to a hydrogen fuel leak .