The controller had actually powered up and interacted effectively with the rockets computer systems throughout initial integrated testing, in addition to carrying out a complete period hot fire throughout Green Run screening with all four RS-25 engines previously this year at NASAs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. NASA and lead contractor for the RS-25 engines, Aerojet Rocketdyne, likewise test all RS-25 engines and flight controllers for Artemis objectives at Stennis prior to integration with the rocket.
After performing a series of assessments and troubleshooting, engineers figured out the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to examine and identify a root cause. NASA is developing a strategy and upgraded schedule to change the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and evaluating launch chances in March and April.
Verification screening of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsions Stage is continuous along with closeouts of the boosters, and parallel work continues with core phase engineering screening. Communication end-to-end testing is underway, and countdown sequence screening will begin as early as next week to show all SLS and Orion interaction systems with the ground infrastructure and launch control. NASA will set a target launch date after an effective damp dress practice session test.
Confirmation testing of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsions Stage is ongoing along with closeouts of the boosters, and parallel work continues with core phase engineering screening. Interaction end-to-end testing is underway, and countdown sequence testing will begin as early as next week to show all SLS and Orion communication systems with the ground facilities and launch control.
SLS will be the most powerful rocket on the planet and is the only rocket that can send out Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single objective. With the Artemis objectives, NASA will land the very first lady and the first person of color on the Moon and develop long-lasting exploration in preparation for missions to Mars. SLS and Orion, together with the business human landing system and the Gateway that will orbit the Moon, are NASAs foundation for deep area expedition.
Credit: NASA
NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft are going through incorporated testing inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida to ensure they are “go” for launch of the Artemis I objective early next year.
After stacking the Orion atop the SLS rocket, the engineers finished several tests to ensure the rocket and spacecraft are all set to roll to the launch pad ahead of the Artemis I wet dress practice session. These tests included making sure Orion, the core stage, and boosters can communicate with the ground systems and confirmation screening to ensure all the pieces of the rocket and spacecraft can power up and connect to the consoles in the Launch control Center.
The flight controller works as the “brain” for each RS-25 engine, interacting with the SLS rocket to offer precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. In the current testing, channel B of the controller on engine 4 failed to power up consistently.