This Week in Space 202

We've waited, and we've waited, and it looks like Artemis 2 might be ready to go in early April! It's moved back to the launch pad, LC-39B, and will begin preparations for a launch as early as April 1. There will be no wet-dress rehearsal this time — associate administrator Lori Glaze said in a recent press conference that once they fuel successfully, she just wants to go to launch. The crew of Artemis 2 will soon arrive at KSC for pre-launch quarantine, as will Tariq, who will be covering the launch. We invited Mike Wall, the spaceflight and tech editor at Space.com, back to the show to bring us up to date on all the latest Artemis news.

Headlines:

• Blue Origin and NASA Team Up to Hunt Earth-Threatening Asteroids
• Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million for 20 Hypersonic Test Launches
• Spring Equinox Arrives with Northern Lights Potential
• Sun Gun Orbital Mirrors Spark Debate on Utility and Security

Main Topic: Artemis II Launch Update

• Rollout and Status of Artemis II: Delays, Rocket Issues, and Launch Windows
• Comparing Artemis II Trajectory to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13
• Solar Activity Risks for Artemis Astronauts Discussed
• Shake-Up in Artemis Program: Artemis III Will Perform Docking Tests with Lunar Landers
• Blue Origin vs SpaceX: Moon Lander Progress and Readiness
• Gateway Lunar Station Uncertainty and International Partnerships
• Challenges with Refueling Starship and Lander Logistics
• Legislative Moves Toward a Permanent Moon Base
• What to Watch for Ahead of Artemis II—Final Checks and Go/No-Go Signs

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Links

• Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin wants to defend Earth against dangerous asteroids. Here's how
• Northern lights could get a boost from the spring equinox this weekend — here's why
• NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket arrives back at the launch pad
• Artemis II Crew
• To Protect Artemis II Astronauts, NASA Experts Keep Eyes on Sun