NASA’s Artemis I Launch: Watch Live from Malta

As the sun sets over the Grand Harbour in Malta, it’s rising on a new era of space exploration in Florida. NASA’s Artemis I mission, an unmanned flight around the Moon and back, is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, August 31. And you can watch it live, right here from the Mediterranean.

Malta’s space enthusiasts, astronomy clubs, and even schools are gearing up to witness this historic moment. The Malta Space Academy, based in Ħal Far, is hosting a launch party, inviting the public to join them for a night under the stars, cheering on the Artemis I mission.

Artemis I marks the first integrated test of NASA’s powerful new deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This mission will send Orion on a test flight around the Moon and back, paving the way for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.

“This is not just a launch,” says Dr. Joseph Cilia, director of the Malta Space Academy. “It’s a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration. It’s about pushing boundaries, exploring the unknown, and inspiring future generations.”

NASA will provide live coverage of the launch on their website and YouTube channel, with commentary starting at 7:30 PM CEST (1:30 PM EDT). In Malta, several venues are hosting viewing parties:

• Malta Space Academy, Ħal Far: Open to the public, with telescopes set up for stargazing after the launch.
• Science in the City, Valletta: The annual festival is extending its hours to host a launch-watching event.
• Several schools and universities across Malta are also organizing viewing parties for students.

“We’re turning this into a community event,” says Dr. Cilia. “We want everyone to feel part of this historic moment, to look up at the Moon and know that we’re on the cusp of a new space age.”

While Malta might seem far from the action, our island nation has a role to play in the Artemis program. The Malta Space Academy is working with international partners to develop small satellite technology, with the aim of launching Maltese cubesats into space in the coming years.

“Artemis is more than just a mission,” says Dr. Cilia. “It’s a program that’s opening up space to more countries, more partners, more ideas. And Malta is ready to be part of that future.”