After 2 scrubs for Artemis I, there were major issues there will be no more launch attempts at least up until mid-October. It looks like we may see the first flight of SLS in September.
NASA already had 2 scrubs of the SLS launch. The very first one on August 29th was due to a problem with one of the main engines of the rocket. NASA decided to make another effort on September 3rd, which also ended up scrubbed.
After two stopped working efforts, many were worried that NASA would need to once again roll back SLS to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The issue is that SLS has a Flight Termination System (FTS) that runs on batteries. If something goes wrong, this system allows blowing up the rocket in mid-air. It is among the security requirements for the launch. The certified launch period of the system ended on September 6th. After that, a battery retest is required. Which can just be performed in the VAB.
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NASA currently had two scrubs of the SLS launch. The certified launch duration of the system ended on September 6th. If whatever goes to the brand-new plan and there are no new problems discovered, NASA will make another launch effort of Artemis I on September 23rd. Another reserved launch date is September 27th. It looks like there is a strong possibility for an SLS launch before the end of the month.
Getting the rocket back into the Vehicle Assembly Building will mean that the launch will be delayed roughly to mid-October. But it seems like NASA has a solution that will not need awaiting this long.
New Plan for the SLS Launch
Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
During a media event, NASA authorities announced that they are attempting to fix the hydrogen leak problem by changing seals on 2 of the hydrogen lines straight on the launchpad. If the Eastern Range grants approval for that, there will be no requirement to get the SLS back to the VAB.
If whatever goes to the brand-new plan and there are no new issues discovered, NASA will make another launch attempt of Artemis I on September 23rd. Another reserved launch date is September 27th.
In the meantime, you can mark your calendars for September 23rd. The launch window opens at 6:47 AM Eastern time and will last for 2 hours. It appears like there is a solid possibility for an SLS launch before the end of the month, after all. Well keep you published in case something changes. Lets hope this time they will get it.
Lead image credit: NASA/Eric Bordelon
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