March 28, 2024

NASA Teams Proceeding With Overnight Operations for Artemis I Wet Dress Rehearsal

NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B brightened by spotlights, Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the Artemis I launch group carries out the wet dress wedding rehearsal test at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ahead of NASAs Artemis I flight test, the damp gown wedding rehearsal will run the Artemis I release group through operations to load propellant, carry out a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain pipes the tanks to practice timelines and treatments for launch. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
Engineers confirmed there were four lightning strikes to the lightning towers within the border of Launch Pad 39B. At the time of the strikes, Orion and the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage were powered up and the strong rocket boosters and interim cryogenic propulsion phase (ICPS) were not.
Standing atop the mobile launcher, NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft can be seen at Launch Pad 39B at the firms Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 18, 2022. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Overnight, engineers will also work to comprise time for activities that were paused due to the serious weather condition. The Mission Management Team will review the schedule and information from the power ups and sensors at the pad at a 6 a.m. EDT tanking conference before making the choice to continue with the test.

By NASA
April 2, 2022