Tropical Storm Nicole Could Derail NASA's Artemis I Rocket Mission to Moon

The latest forecast revealed that Tropical Storm Nicole could affect the launch mission of NASA's Artemis I Rocket.

It could be delayed due to the inclement weather brought by the large tropical storm.

NASA Postpones Artemis I Launch Due To Technical Issue — SEPTEMBER 01: NASA's Artemis I rocket sits on launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center on September 01, 2022 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The first attempt to launch the Artemis I was scrubbed after an issue was found on one of the rocket's four engines. The next launch attempt will be September 3rd. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

In the latest tropical storm update, the National Hurricane Center reported that Nicole could strengthen into Hurricane. The advisory noted that Nicole was seen over the northeast of the northwestern Bahamas (400km), moving at ten mph westward.

The report also added that the storm had 65 mph (100 km/h) sustained winds with potential higher gusts.

Before Nicole could strengthen to Hurricane levels, the report noted that storm was a large tropical cyclone.

According to AccuWeather's latest report, NASA Artemis 1 space rocket was set to launch on November 14 (Monday). It was said to be the first spacecraft for humans to return again to the Moon for a mission.

AccuWeather explained that the spacecraft launch could be affected due to hurricane-level conditions with gusts at the Kennedy Space Center.

The mission is vital for space explorations to the Moon. NASA and scientists have been studying the Moon, which could have important discoveries and impacts on Earth.

Hurricane conditions

Meanwhile, the latest advisory noted that Hurricane conditions could unleash as Hurricane Nicole approaches.

The report said inclement weather could be possible in portions of the northwestern Bahamas starting today (Wednesday).

In the United States, the report added that Hurricane conditions could also unload in the southeast and east-central Florida from today until night.

The large storm could affect most Florida peninsula and the southeast U.S.

Also Read : NASA Postpones Artemis Spacecraft Launch due to Hurricane Ian.

Residents in the said areas are advised to observe the impact of the hurricane.

Meanwhile, tropical storm conditions could occur in Florida and Georgia.

The advisory emphasized that Nicole could unload heavy rainfall starting Wednesday and Thursday in the Florida peninsula. The National Hurricane Center shared that flash and urban flooding could be possible in St. John's River with the potential rise of seawater.

On the other hand, small-stream flooding could also occur in southeast portions, mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians.

Moreover, the advisory added that Hurricane Nicole could cause a dangerous storm surge, affecting the east coast of Florida and portions of coastal Georgia.

Storms affect the launch of spacecraft, especially if it could unleash heavy rains and strong winds. It is not the first time that NASA canceled the launch or mission to the Moon due to bad weather.

NASA cancellations

In a previous report, NASA also postponed the Artemis spacecraft in September. Hurricane Ian caused the mission to hold off temporarily due to the storm's impact. As a result, the decision managers decided to return the spacecraft to the Kennedy Space Center.

The explorations in space recorded canceled launches, including on August 29, due to a bad sensor and September 3, due to a fuel leak.

AccuWeather reported that the other launches could be from November 12 to 27. With the postponement, it could be expected to move before the end of the month.