NASA Teams Prepare for Next Artemis I Wet Dress Rehearsal Attempt

NASA’s House Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen at dawn atop a cell launcher at Launch Advanced 39B, Monday, April 4, 2022, because the Artemis I launch crew conducts the moist gown rehearsal check at NASA’s Kennedy House Middle in Florida. Credit score: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Groups are making ready for the following try to on the Artemis I moist gown rehearsal, pending vary availability and restoration of propellants and gases throughout the check. By way of the previous two check runs April 3 and 4, engineers completed a number of check goals that may put together the groups and built-in programs for launch:

• Configuring Launch Pad 39B and the cell launcher for the check, simply because it must be ready for launch
• Clearing personnel and tools from the launch pad after configuration with a view to proceed with propellant loading
• Powering up Orion and the SLS rocket programs in launch configuration, together with the strong rocket boosters, the core stage, and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage
• Trying out and verifying the Orion spacecraft countdown and commanding by flight controllers at NASA Johnson House Flight in Houston
• Trying out the steering, navigation, and management system and all of the built-in software program that operates throughout the rocket, Orion, floor programs, and floor help facilities together with the Launch Management Middle
• Verifying and testing all of the vary security and programs with the vary
• Draining the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen after the check
• Powering down the rocket, the spacecraft, and floor programs and placing them in a protected configuration

All these actions are vital for a profitable launch or within the occasion launch controllers determine to not proceed with launch if a technical or climate situation arises throughout or previous to the countdown. Finishing these goals will permit the crew to make use of the following check alternative to give attention to executing the remaining goals throughout dynamic operations, equivalent to loading the cryogenic propellant and dealing by the launch countdown.

Inspections after the second check confirmed the vent valve that prohibited the crew from continuing with loading liquid hydrogen was configured bodily in a closed place, which prevented it from being commanded remotely to an open place. The valve positioning has since been corrected.

Groups have been additionally capable of exhibit their capability to work by a number of points, equivalent to extreme climate, delays in getting a gaseous nitrogen provide supply offered by a business vendor up and operating, and fixing programs like followers that didn't carry out as anticipated.

NASA’s House Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and the supporting floor system parts are all in wonderful situation and in a configuration that helps the following alternative.

Hearken to a replay of the newest briefing, and verify again at this weblog for an replace on the focused date for resuming WDR testing for the Artemis I mission.