Recently engineers and service technicians effectively gotten rid of and changed an engine controller from one of 4 RS-25 engines after the team determined a concern throughout a power-up test of the rockets core phase. Engineers are now carrying out standard engine controller diagnostic tests and check-outs, consisting of controller power-up and flight software application load. Subsequently, the group will work to finish all staying SLS pre-flight diagnostic tests and hardware closeouts in advance of a mid-February rollout for a damp dress practice session in late February. NASA will set a target launch date after a successful wet dress practice session test.
SLS will be the most powerful rocket in the world and is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single objective. With the Artemis missions, NASA will land the first lady and the very first individual of color on the Moon and develop long-lasting exploration in preparation for objectives to Mars. SLS and Orion, in addition to the commercial human landing system and the Gateway that will orbit the Moon, are NASAs backbone for deep area expedition.
This illustration reveals NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) in its Block 1 setup inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From leading to bottom, the whole rocket steps about 312 feet high and has the ability of raising payloads with a mass of more than 26 metric loads (57,000 pounds). Credit: NASA
Technicians and engineers continue to finish integrated tests inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center as part of the lead up to launch of the Artemis I objective.
On December 17, the team completed a communications end-to-end test to guarantee the rocket, ground and spacecraft devices can communicate with the consoles in the launch and mission control centers. This verification of communication systems through radio frequency guarantees the launch team will be able to keep an eye on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft on the ground along with during flight. The test utilized an antenna in the VAB, another near the pad that will cover the very first couple of seconds of launch, in addition to a more powerful antenna that utilizes the Tracking Data Relay Satellite and the Deep Space Network.
On December 20, the Exploration Ground Systems team conducted a countdown sequencing test to show the ground launch software and ground launch sequencer, which look for health and status of the automobile sitting on the pad. The simulated launch countdown tested the responses from SLS and Orion, making sure the sequencer can run without any concerns. On launch day, the ground launch sequencer hands off to the rocket and spacecraft and an automated launch sequencer takes over around 30 seconds prior to launch. Engineers have actually added a 2nd sequencing test prior to rollout to account for differences in between the emulator and flight hardware determined during the initial test.
On December 20, the Exploration Ground Systems team carried out a countdown sequencing test to show the ground launch software application and ground launch sequencer, which checks for health and status of the car sitting on the pad. On launch day, the ground launch sequencer hands off to the rocket and spacecraft and an automated launch sequencer takes over around 30 seconds prior to launch. NASA will set a target launch date after a successful wet gown wedding rehearsal test.
