April 25, 2024

NASA Artemis I Launch Update: Mission Management Team Gives “Go”

NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch 39B at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: NASA/Sam Lott
NASAs Artemis I objective management group met this afternoon to review the status of the operations. They have actually provided a “go” for a September 3 launch attempt of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Considering that the previous launch attempt on Monday, August 29, teams have updated procedures, practiced operations, and refined timelines.
Over the last day, teams worked to fix a leak on the tail service mast umbilical. They replaced a flex-hose and a loose pressure sensing unit line, which were the likely sources of the leak. Teams also retorqued, or tightened up, the bolts surrounding that enclosure to ensure a tight seal when presenting the super-cooled propellants through those lines. While there was no leak identified at ambient temperatures, groups will continue to monitor throughout tanking operations.
NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B, Monday, August 29, 2022, as the Artemis I release groups load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants consisting of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as the launch countdown advances at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch director stopped the launch effort at around 8:30 a.m. ET. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
Teams will change the procedures to chill down the engines, also called the kick start bleed test, about 30 to 45 minutes previously in the countdown during the liquid hydrogen fast fill phase for the core phase. This will enable extra time to cool the engines to suitable temperature levels for launch.

U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 45 meteorologists forecast 60% beneficial weather, improving throughout the window for Saturday.
Tune in to NASA Television, the NASA app, or the firms website at 9 a.m. for a prelaunch media briefing. Participants consist of:

On Saturday, live coverage of tanking operations with commentary on NASA television will start at 5:45 a.m. EDT (2:45 a.m. PDT). Full launch protection in English will start at 12:15 p.m.

Jeremy Parsons, Exploration Ground Systems, deputy program manager, NASA Kennedy
Melody Lovin, weather condition officer, Space Launch Delta 45

They have given a “go” for a September 3 launch attempt of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Because the previous launch effort on Monday, August 29, teams have actually updated procedures, practiced operations, and fine-tuned timelines.
NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B, Monday, August 29, 2022, as the Artemis I launch groups pack more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants consisting of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as the launch countdown progresses at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch director halted the launch attempt at around 8:30 a.m. ET.