NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B, Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the Artemis I introduce group performs the wet dress practice session test at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ahead of NASAs Artemis I flight test, the damp dress practice session will run the Artemis I introduce group through operations to pack propellant, carry out a full launch countdown, demonstrate the capability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain pipes the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
At around 5 p.m. EDT the other day (April 1), or L-45 hours, 40 minutes prior to the initial targeted test T-0, the launch team came to their stations inside the Launch Control Center at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The countdown began for the damp dress rehearsal test for NASAs Artemis I objective.
The rocket that will launch NASAs Orion spacecraft to the Moon with the European Service Module on its method to the launchpad in Florida, USA, for its very first complete test prior to the Artemis I introduce later on this year. Credit: ESA– A. Conigli
Prior to “contact us to stations” the group completed several activities consisting of closing the Orion crew module hatch and conducting leakage checks. Specialists then closed the hatch on the launch abort system and conducted last activities in the White Room, the access point between Orion and the Mobile Launcher. The team access arm, where the White Room lies, was retracted away from the spacecraft and rocket. On March 31, Orion was powered-up and will remain on throughout the duration of the test.
Groups filled sound suppression system with water at the launch pad, which is used to dampen and take in acoustic energy throughout liftoff. Although the Space Launch System engines will not fire during this test, groups are practicing bring out operations as they would on launch day.
Overnight, teams charged the SLS core stage batteries and configuref ground systems to power up the phase, and purge and remove ducts for the RS-25 engines.
Around 3 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at around L-35 hours and 20 minutes, the Artemis I launch control team powered up the Space Launch System rockets core stage, which will be loaded with more than 700,000 gallons of propellants throughout the tanking phase of the countdown. Throughout the day, groups will charge Orion flight batteries, perform last preparations on umbilical arms, and conduct a last pre-launch walkdown.
While operations at the pad may not be noticeable throughout todays activities at the launch pad, NASA is streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube channel.
NASA is also sharing updates on the Exploration Ground Systems Twitter account. Real-time updates from Jeremy Parsons, deputy supervisor of the Exploration Ground Systems Program, will begin on the account when the launch director and objective management team chair give a “go” for tanking operations, expected to take place around 7 a.m. EDT on Sunday, April 3.
NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B, Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the Artemis I introduce group conducts the wet gown rehearsal test at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ahead of NASAs Artemis I flight test, the wet dress wedding rehearsal will run the Artemis I launch team through operations to load propellant, carry out a full launch countdown, show the capability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain the tanks to practice timelines and procedures for launch. Professionals then closed the hatch on the launch abort system and performed last activities in the White Room, the access point in between Orion and the Mobile Launcher.
