NASA/Joel Kowsky NASA’s long-awaited Space Launch System got a visit from Hurricane Nicole today as the tropical storm made landfall in Florida. The massive next-generation rocket was left out by wind and rain as the Category 1 storm battered a large area of the Sunshine State, including Cape Canaveral, on Thursday. The multibillion-dollar rocket and the Orion capsule atop it were exposed to winds near or above design limits, according to meteorologist and space reporter Eric Berger at Ars Technica. The SLS is designed to withstand winds of up to 74.4 knots, and at least one gust of 87 knots was observed on the launch pad. MORE FROM FORBESH Hurricane Nicole makes landfall in Florida – Here’s where it’s headed by Alison Durkee Earlier this week, the expected launch of the SLS on the uncrewed Artemis I mission around the moon was postponed to November 16. Liftoff could be further delayed when NASA personnel can return to Kennedy Space Center and inspect the vehicle. The SLS was due to go on sale earlier this year, but has been repeatedly delayed due to engine problems and leaks. The entire vehicle was brought back from the launch pad to the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center for repairs and to avoid being hit by Hurricane Ian. Ironically, the rocket is only designed to withstand being transported to and from the launch pad so many times, which may have contributed to the decision to leave it out in the rain for Nicole. NASA has yet to issue any updates on the status of SLS or the Artemis I mission after Nicole. Case in progress…
