NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is seen on launch pad 39B on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as crews work to replace the seal on an interface, called quick disconnect, between the liquid hydrogen fuel feed. line to the mobile launcher and the rocket. Credit: NASA/Chad Siwik
NASA engineers are making progress in repairing the area where a liquid hydrogen leak was detected during the Artemis I launch attempt on September 3. NASA is retaining options for the next launch opportunity, which could happen as early as Friday, September 23.
Technicians built a tent-like enclosure around the work area on Launch Pad 39B to protect hardware and equipment from weather and other environmental conditions. They have disconnected the ground and rocket side plates at the interface, called a quick disconnect, for the liquid hydrogen fuel feed line and performed initial inspections. They have also begun replacing two seals: one surrounding the 8-inch line used to fill and drain liquid hydrogen from the center stage, and one surrounding the 4-inch purge line used to redirect part of the propellant during tank operations. Both the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft are in good condition while remaining on the launch pad.
Once the repair work is complete, engineers will reattach the boards and carry out initial tests to evaluate the new seals. The teams will test the new seals in cryogenic, or super-cold, conditions no earlier than September 17. For this, the rocket’s core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage will be loaded with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to validate the repair under the conditions it would experience. on launch day. Engineers are in the process of developing a complete plan for the boxes.
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft on board is seen during sunrise atop a mobile launcher on Launch Pad 39B on August 31, 2022 at the Kennedy Space Center from NASA in Florida. NASA’s Artemis I flight test is the first integrated test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, the SLS rocket, and supporting ground systems. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
NASA has submitted a request to the Eastern Range, which supports missile and rocket launches from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center, to expand the current test requirement for the system flight termination NASA is respecting the scoping processes for application review, and the agency continues to provide detailed information to support a scoping decision.
Meanwhile, NASA instructs the Artemis team to move forward with all necessary preparations for testing, followed by launch. This includes preparations to ensure adequate supply of propellants and gases used in refueling operations, as well as flight operations planning for the mission. NASA has requested the following launch opportunities:
- September 23: Two-hour launch window opens at 6:47am EDT; landing on October 18
- September 27: 70-minute launch window opens at 11:37 a.m.; landing on November 5
NASA teams internally are preparing to support additional dates should flexibility be needed. The agency will evaluate and adjust launch opportunities and alternative dates based on progress on the platform and to align with other planned activities. This includes DART’s planned impact with an asteroid, the launch of a government payload on the West Coast, and the launch of Crew-5 to the International Space Station.
Listen to a replay of today’s media teleconference on the status of the Artemis I mission. NASA Artemis I is an unmanned flight test to provide a basis for human exploration of deep space and demonstrate the our commitment and ability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond.