Artemis I launches later this month—here’s how to celebrate in Huntsville

Have you heard? If all goes as planned, Artemis I is finally blasting off later this month.

You know the Rocket City couldn’t let that milestone slide by without some major celebrations. Here’s how to get in on the action:

SLS—Made in HSV

Space Launch System, the rocket that will undertake the Artemis missions, was developed right here in Huntsville by scientists at Boeing and the Marshall Space Flight Center.

SLS has undergone extensive testing this year in anticipation of Artemis I, the first official mission of the Artemis program.

Artemis I, which is expected to launch on August 29, will be an uncrewed mission designed to test SLS’ function in space while also delivering important payloads to space. Here’s NASA’s official summary of the mission:

“The primary operations goal of the mission is to assure a safe crew module entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery. In addition to sending Orion on its journey around the Moon, SLS will carry 10 small satellites that will perform their own science and technology investigations. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis II.”

Artemis I overview, NASA.gov

How to watch

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is hosting a watch party that’ll start bright and early on August 29. You can reserve your free ticket now.

If you’d rather watch from the comfort of your own home, NASA will be livestreaming the event on NASA TV. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch history in the making.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more events are announced.

Know about an Artemis I launch party we need to share? Let me know by emailing emily@hvilleblast.com.