SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. Credit: NASA
Technicians and engineers successfully finished a second countdown sequencing test on January 24 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is among the final tests for the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft ahead the Artemis I objective, and brings the team one step more detailed to rolling to the launch pad in mid-February for the damp dress rehearsal test.
The test demonstrated the ground launch software and ground launch sequencer, which examines the health and status of the rocket resting on the pad. The simulated launch countdown tested the responses from the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, ensuring the sequencer operates correctly. On launch day, the ground launch sequencer hands off to the rocket and spacecraft, and an automated launch sequencer takes control of control of the rocket from ground controllers around 30 seconds prior to launch.
Up next the group will work to complete the last program particular engineering tests for the Artemis I objective. With the countdown sequencing test total, Exploration Ground Systems teams will continue doing final checks and closeouts of the Moon rocket in preparation for the damp dress rehearsal test next month. For damp gown rehearsal, engineers will totally pack SLS with propellant, and the group on the ground will run through all the pre-launch operations to prepare for the Artemis I launch.
By NASA
January 25, 2022
