NASA Engineers Assess Data After Artemis I Launch Scrub

Artemis I Preflight

NASA’s Area Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the cell launcher at Launch Pad 39B, Monday, August 29, 2022, because the Artemis I launch groups load greater than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants together with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen because the launch countdown progresses at NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida. Credit score: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Engineers are evaluating knowledge gathered through the Artemis I launch try on Monday, August 29, which was halted by the launch director at roughly 8:34 a.m. EDT (5:34 a.m. PDT). The launch was scrubbed after groups couldn't get the rocket’s engines to the correct temperature vary required to start out the engines at liftoff, and ran out of time within the two-hour launch window to proceed. The mission administration crew will convene on Tuesday afternoon to debate the information and develop a plan ahead.

The 4 RS-25 engines on the Area Launch System should be thermally conditioned earlier than tremendous chilly propellant begins flowing by means of them for liftoff. Launch controllers situation them by rising the strain on the core stage liquid hydrogen tank to route, or “bleed” as it's typically referred to as, a portion of the roughly minus 423 °F liquid hydrogen to the engines. Managers suspect the difficulty, seen on engine 3, is unlikely to be the results of an issue with the engine itself.

Space Launch System Artemis I Engines

NASA’s new deep-space rocket, the Area Launch System (SLS), will launch missions powered by 4 RS-25 engines, dependable engines used for 135 shuttle missions. The engines have been upgraded with new controllers and different options for SLS. Every engine has a novel quantity that permits engineers to trace its flight historical past. Credit score: NASA/MSFC, Kevin Obrien

Through the countdown, launch controllers labored by means of a number of further points. These embody storms within the space that delayed the beginning of propellant loading operations, a leak on the fast disconnect on the 8-inch line used to fill and drain core stage liquid hydrogen, and a hydrogen leak from a valve used to vent the propellant from the core stage intertank.

SLS Intertank

NASA will host a media teleconference Tuesday, August 30, at roughly 6 p.m. EDT (3 p.m. PDT) to offer an replace on knowledge evaluation and discussions. Observe that the time is topic to alter. Whereas managers haven't but set a date for the subsequent launch try, the earliest attainable alternative is Friday, September 2, throughout a two-hour launch window that opens at 12:48 p.m.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post