www.HoustonPublicMedia.org
NASA started the countdown for last month’s planned liftoff of its new moon rocket, although hurricane damage caused yet another flight delay. Hurricane Nicole’s high winds caused a 10-foot section of caulking to peel away near the crew capsule. Mission managers wanted to make sure the narrow strip wouldn’t damage the rocket if it breaks off during liftoff.
The nearly $4 billion mission has been grounded since August by fuel leaks and Hurricane Ian, which forced the rocket back into its hangar for shelter until the end of September. The rocket remained on the pad for Nicole; managers said there wasn’t enough time to move it once it became clear the storm was going to be stronger than anticipated.