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Here's how to watch NASA's long-awaited return to the Moon at home in Dallas

NASA Artemis I moon mission Orion rocket SLS

The Artemis I mission will launch NASA’s Space Launch System rocket with the Orion spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 29.

Photo by Ben Smegelsky/NASA via NASA Flickr

UPDATE: NASA halted the August 29 Artemis I launch attempt at approximately 7:34 am Monday. According to a statement, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft remain in a safe and stable configuration. Launch controllers were continuing to evaluate why a bleed test to get the RS-25 engines on the bottom of the core stage to the proper temperature range for liftoff was not successful, and ran out of time in the two-hour launch window. Engineers are continuing to gather additional data.

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In just a few days, NASA and its commercial partners are returning humans to the Moon in the first mission of the Artemis Program. All eyes will be on the rocket as it launches Monday, August 29.

Artemis I — the mission's first flight test of the NASA’s Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System rocket — is an uncrewed mission that will launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida before circling the moon. The SLS rocket is targeted to launch during a two-hour window that opens at 7:33 am on Monday, August 29, from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy.

Coverage of the launch has already started, and viewers can tune into the livestream of the rocket and spacecraft at the launch pad on the NASA Kennedy YouTube channel. Additionally, live coverage of events has started on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.

The launch countdown will begin at 9:23 am on Saturday, August 27. While launch is the main event, the broadcast will also include celebrity appearances by Jack Black, Chris Evans, and Keke Palmer, as well as a special performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Josh Groban and Herbie Hancock. It also will feature a performance of “America the Beautiful” by The Philadelphia Orchestra and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

“The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond,” NASA reports in a news release. “The mission will demonstrate the performance of the SLS rocket and test Orion’s capabilities over the course of about six weeks as it travels about 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and back to Earth.”

A full itinerary of events — including press conferences, virtual social opportunities, and more — is available online. Interested parties can also follow NASA’s Artemis blog for updates.

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Hang ten and fore

Tiger Woods' team takes over surf venue at Grandscape in The Colony

Fireside Surf

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A surfing-themed restaurant and entertainment venue at Grandscape in The Colony is catching a new wave: Fireside SurfSurf is being taken over by Tiger Woods-owned PopStroke and becoming The Surf Lounge at PopStroke.

According to a release, the grand reopening will take place March 5.

The Surf Lounge will encompass an open-air setting with poolside seating, flexible event configurations, and a layout built to accommodate private functions, members, as well as daily guests, the release says.

PopStroke’s restaurant concept, BarTenders, will oversee all food and beverage operations at The Surf Lounge, which will include a dedicated poolside menu of shareables and elevated bar fare, as well as a full bar program featuring "cocktails that hold their own," says the release.

PopStroke has operated a putting course entertainment concept designed by golf legend Woods at Grandscape since 2024.

"The (taking over of the surf venue) solidifies PopStroke’s presence at Grandscape and introduces a fully unified hospitality experience under one brand," says the release. "The takeover marks a significant expansion of PopStroke’s event and hospitality footprint in North Texas, positioning the Grandscape location as one of the brand’s most dynamic destinations nationally."

The owners are positioning The Surf Lounge as an attractive gathering place to host corporate outings, milestone celebrations, private rentals, and programmed activations, including happy hours, brunch, and day-party events throughout the year.

While the public will be welcome to eat and drink during designated hours, surf access will be exclusive to Surf Members, they say. Information about Surf Memberships is TBA, they say.

The Surf Lounge is at 5772 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony. Upon reopening, operating hours will be 4-8 pm Thursday and 12-8 pm Friday-Sunday.

Grandscape is on a roll. Other new additions recently announced include bar and music venue The Rustic and soccer-themed entertainment complex TOCA Social.

“These additions reflect our commitment to continually evolving Grandscape with globally loved brands,” said Jennifer Petrovich, director of leasing for Grandscape, in a statement. “From live entertainment and interactive sports experiences to shopping, we’re creating moments here that can’t be found anywhere else in North Texas.”