NASA has initiated the next phase of establishing permanent infrastructure around the moon, with plans that include the development of space-based data centers.
On Saturday, the agency began the process of moving its large rocket and crew capsule to the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This rollout is a key part of the Artemis II mission, which is set to carry four astronauts on a journey around the moon and back. The rocket's movement was deliberate, covering a four-mile distance over a twelve-hour period.
The hardware involved consists of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, manufactured by Boeing, and the Orion capsule, produced by Lockheed Martin, which sits atop the rocket.
This integrated system has been in development for approximately fifteen years, with a single uncrewed test flight having occurred in 2022. During that test flight, the spacecraft successfully orbited the moon. The cost associated with each launch is estimated to exceed $4 billion, and the program is already facing significant schedule delays.
NASA Begins Pad Tests Amidst Congressional Budgetary Debates
Upon reaching the launchpad, NASA personnel commenced setup operations. These activities involved connecting ground support equipment, conducting hardware tests, and performing comprehensive on-site checks. The immediate objective is to prepare for a critical full countdown rehearsal scheduled for the end of January.
This rehearsal will involve fueling the rocket and executing all final procedures leading up to a potential launch. Progress will be contingent on the successful completion of this test.
“Wet dress is the big test at the pad. That’s the one to keep an eye on,” stated the launch director.
The actual launch of Artemis II is now anticipated for April, a shift from its original late 2024 target due to prior delays. The Artemis II mission is designed to take the crew around the moon and return them within a ten-day timeframe, marking the first human flight of the SLS. The subsequent mission, Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts back on the moon, is projected for 2027.
The financial backing for this endeavor has been a subject of contention. A previous budget proposal from Donald Trump sought to discontinue the SLS program after its third flight, citing it as “grossly expensive and delayed.”
However, Senator Ted Cruz successfully advocated for the reinstatement of $4.1 billion through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by Trump in July.
Bezos and Musk Pursue Lunar Orbit for Advanced Data Center Development
Concurrent with the rocket rollout, industry leaders Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are actively planning for future lunar operations, specifically focusing on the establishment of space-based data centers.
These proposed data centers would orbit the moon, leveraging the extreme cold of space for cooling, thereby alleviating the significant energy demands and cooling challenges associated with Earth-based facilities. The substantial electricity consumption and heat management required for data centers make space a potentially advantageous environment.
“These are the kind of days we live for,” remarked the leader of the Artemis II mission team.
NASA has indicated that the countdown preparations will extend throughout January. Teams will conduct a final review before the full rehearsal. Should all systems perform as expected, a launch by spring is anticipated. Success in these endeavors could position the moon as a significant hub for technological development.