Rocket Prepares For Launch

The massive rocket stands like a metallic athlete preparing for a sprint across the dark ocean of space. Teams moved the heavy craft four miles to the launch site. This stack reaches nearly ninety eight meters as it sits upon the Kennedy Space Center pad.

The machinery represents years of hard work as many people watch the data very closely today.

But the journey actually started inside the building before the sun rose over the coast. Consequently, technicians must check every single connection to ensure the system performs exactly. Got to be kidding, the Space.com report on the heat shield erosion really makes these safety checks fascinating to watch.

Studying the Orion thermal protection system reports from water tank tests makes this mission extremely interesting.

We are talking about the first lunar trip for humans in more than five decades. NASA aims for an April window to send the capsule into orbit.

The mobile launcher carries the entire structure slowly and millions of pounds move at a pace slower than walking. Watch the board as the countdown clocks begin to tick toward the target.

This represents the biggest test for the space program since the era of the Apollo crews.

Under the Hood at the Cape

High-definition cameras now track every bolt on the mobile launcher during the slow rollout process. Software engineers at Boeing monitor the core stage fuel sensors in real time.

Your Orbit Tracker

• Sign up for the NASA TV alert to catch the ignition sequence live.
• Check the local Florida weather patterns to see if cloud cover might delay the morning departure.
• Visit the visitor complex to see the massive Saturn five rocket for a scale comparison.