NASA pushes back Artemis I again over Storm Nicole fears and sets new launch date

According to NASA, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is currently in a HURCON (Hurricane Condition) III status.

The HURCON number refers not to the severity of the storm, but the time until sustained winds in excess of 50 knots, or just under 58 miles per hour. III is 48 hours off.

Tasks undertaken during HURCON III including both securing equipment, facilities and property at the centre, but also briefing and deploying the so-called “ride-out” team.

NASA explained: “A ride-out team includes a set of personnel who will remain in a safe location at Kennedy throughout the storm to monitor centerwide conditions — including the flight hardware for the Artemis I mission.”

Non-essential personnel will leave the Kennedy Space Center when the complex reaches HURCON II status, 24 hours to the arrival of 50 knot sustained winds.

READ MORE: Storm being ‘monitored’ ahead of fourth NASA Artemis I launch attempt

Article source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1694464/nasa-artemis-i-launch-tropical-storm-nicole-hurricane-florida-fears