NASA will attempt to launch its new mega-moon rocket this evening, and you might even see it from your back garden.

The spacecraft aims to orbit the moon after nearly a week of troubleshooting following several glitches that foiled its original launch on Monday.

The United States aims to beat China to establishing a more permanent presence on the moon.

Artemis I spacecraft. Image: NASA Space Launch System

Artemis I is only the beginning of several new space systems that will culminate in putting man back on the moon again by 2025.

There are concerns that if the launch doesn't go to plan today, China will sprint ahead in the latest space race.

NASA's Space Launch Station is live-tweeting developments throughout the launch.

The countdown is underway for a September 3 launch of #Artemis I! Follow us for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/b5b4y2vzlu

— NASA_SLS (@NASA_SLS) September 2, 2022

The launch will begin at 2:14pm in Washington DC, so the Irish should keep a look out from 6:15pm this evening.

Earlier this week, mission managers called off liftoff after a liquid hydrogen leak was discovered just 40 minutes before the rocket was due to leave.

The capsule is carrying one male and two female mannequins fitted with sensors to measure radiation levels and other stresses human astronauts will face.

Car window saying "future astronaut". Image: NASA/Flickr

If Artemis I completes a successful 38-day mission, travelling 64,000km beyond the moon and back, NASA can move forward with plans to send astronauts on Artemis II in 2024, with another human moon landing scheduled for 2025.

Only 12 people, all American and all men, have ever walked on the moon have ever set foot on the moon, with 1972 being the last time a landing was achieved.

Artemis I Prelaunch. Image: NASA/Flickr

Main image shows Artemis I being prepared at the Kennedy Space Station. Picture by: NASA Space Launch System