NASA’s Artemis 1 moon rocket will remain on the ground for at least four more days.
NASA was eyeing September 23 or 27 for the launch of Artemis 1, which will use a space launch system (SLS) mega rocket to launch an Orion capsule into lunar orbit on an unmanned test flight. But the agency announced in a blog post Monday night (September 12) that the earlier date is no longer in play; It is now targeting September 27th for Artemis 1 launch, with a possible October 2nd backup date.
Artemis 1 should already be in the air. NASA first attempted to launch the mission on Aug 29, but was hampered by an anomalous temperature reading in one of the SLS’s first stage RS-25 engines. The mission team soon traced this issue to a faulty temperature sensor and prepared SLS and Orion for another attempt on September 3. But a Leak of liquid hydrogen propellant also sunk this launch attempt.
Related: NASA’s Artemis 1 lunar mission: live updates
More: NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission explained in pictures
The leak occurred at a “quick disconnect,” an interface that connects the SLS core stage to a propellant line coming from the rocket’s mobile launch tower. The Artemis 1 team two seals replaced around the quick disconnect last week and other repair work related to the issue completed over the weekend, NASA officials wrote in the update.
NASA is now preparing for an SLS refueling test, which will see super-cold propellant pumped into the SLS to show that the leak has actually been fixed. The agency had targeted September 17 for this test, but it has now been pushed back to September 21 at the earliest.
“The updated data represents a careful consideration of several logistical issues, including the added value of having more time to prepare for the cryogenic demonstration test and then more time to prepare for launch,” NASA officials wrote in Monday’s blog post (opens in new tab). “The data also allows managers to ensure teams have enough rest and to replenish stocks of cryogenic propellants.”
The stack of Artemis 1 remains with NASA on Pad 39B Kennedy Space Center in Florida, but it may end up having to return to KSC’s massive Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). That US Space Forceswhich monitors the Eastern Range for missile launches, has certified Artemis 1’s Flight Termination System (FTS) for just 25 days – and that time has already expired.
NASA has requested an extension of certification of the AGV, which is designed to destroy the Artemis 1 stack if it goes off course during launch. If this application is denied, the vehicle must be wheeled from Pad 39B to the VAB, the only place where the tests required for recertification can take place. (Artemis 1 may have to return to the VAB for repairs anyway if the fixes made to the pad don’t stick.)
“NASA continues to respect Eastern Range’s process of reviewing the agency’s request for an extension of the current test requirements for the flight termination system and will provide additional information and data as needed,” NASA wrote in Monday’s update. “In parallel, the agency is continuing preparations for the cryogenic demonstration test and potential launch opportunities if the application is approved.”
NASA has already received such an FTS extension from 20 days to 25 days.
The two upcoming launch dates for Artemis 1 are close to those of SpaceX Crew 5 Astronaut Mission for NASA, scheduled for launch Oct. 3 from KSC’s Pad 39A to the International Space Station.
“Teams are working in parallel with Artemis 1 planning on the upcoming commercial crew launch, and both launch plans will continue to be evaluated in the coming weeks,” NASA officials wrote in Monday’s update.
Mike Wall is the author of “Out there (opens in new tab)(Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate), a book about the search for extraterrestrial life. Follow him on Twitter @michaelwall (opens in new tab). Follow us on Twitter @spacedotcom (opens in new tab) or on Facebook (opens in new tab).
#Launch #Artemis #moon #rocket #postponed #September #earliest
Leave a Comment