SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. Credit: NASA
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson has actually validated all goals have been met for the cryogenic presentation test, and teams are now proceeding with critical safing activities and preparations for draining the rockets tanks. After coming across a hydrogen leakage in a cavity in the tail service mast umbilical early in the filling process, engineers were able to fix the issue and proceed with the scheduled activities.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at right, keeps track of information inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida throughout a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on September 21, 2022. At left is Jeremy Graeber, Artemis I assistant launch director.
The 4 primary objectives for the cryogenic demonstration included examining the repair to resolve the hydrogen leakage determined on the previous launch attempt, packing propellants into the rockets tanks utilizing brand-new treatments, carrying out the kick-start bleed, and carrying out a pre-pressurization test.
The brand-new cryogenic loading procedures and ground automation were designed to shift temperature level and pressures gradually during tanking to reduce the probability of leaks that could be brought on by rapid modifications in temperature or pressure. After experiencing the leakage early in the operation, teams further decreased packing pressures to fix the concern and proceed with the presentation test. The pre-pressurization test enabled engineers to adjust the settings utilized for conditioning the engines throughout the terminal count and verify timelines before launch day to minimize schedule risk during the countdown on launch day.
Astronauts and astronaut candidates from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency present for a photograph in front of NASAs Artemis I Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft atop the mobile launcher on the pad at Launch Complex 39B on August 28, 2022. The astronauts are, from left to right: Randy Bresnik, NASA astronaut; Joshua Kutryk, Canadian Space Agency astronaut; Zena Cardman, NASA astronaut; Jack Hathaway, NASA astronaut candidate; Christina Birch, NASA astronaut prospect; Reid Wiseman, NASA astronaut; Jessica Wittner, NASA astronaut candidate; Joe Acaba, NASA astronaut; Andre Douglas, NASA astronaut prospect; Kate Rubins, NASA astronaut; Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency astronaut; Stephanie Wilson, NASA astronaut; Jessica Meir, NASA astronaut; Don Pettit, NASA astronaut; Chris Williams, NASA astronaut prospect; Victor Glover, NASA astronaut; Shannon Walker, NASA astronaut; Stan Love, NASA astronaut. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Teams will examine the information from the test, together with the weather and other factors, before verifying preparedness to continue into the next launch opportunity. The SLS rocket stays in a safe setup as groups examine the next actions.
Artemis I is the very first in a series of increasingly complicated objectives. It will supply a structure for human deep space expedition and show our commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond. The main goal of Artemis I is to completely check the incorporated systems prior to crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep area environment, screening Orions heat shield, and recovering the crew module after descent, splashdown, and reentry.
Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at right, keeps track of data inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida throughout a cryogenic propellant tanking demonstration on September 21, 2022. Astronauts and astronaut candidates from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency position for a picture in front of NASAs Artemis I Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft atop the mobile launcher on the pad at Launch Complex 39B on August 28, 2022. The astronauts are, from left to right: Randy Bresnik, NASA astronaut; Joshua Kutryk, Canadian Space Agency astronaut; Zena Cardman, NASA astronaut; Jack Hathaway, NASA astronaut prospect; Christina Birch, NASA astronaut candidate; Reid Wiseman, NASA astronaut; Jessica Wittner, NASA astronaut candidate; Joe Acaba, NASA astronaut; Andre Douglas, NASA astronaut candidate; Kate Rubins, NASA astronaut; Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency astronaut; Stephanie Wilson, NASA astronaut; Jessica Meir, NASA astronaut; Don Pettit, NASA astronaut; Chris Williams, NASA astronaut candidate; Victor Glover, NASA astronaut; Shannon Walker, NASA astronaut; Stan Love, NASA astronaut.