The Moon serves as a background for the Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 21, 2022. Overnight, launch controllers powered up the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System rockets core phase. During launch, each umbilical releases from its connection point, enabling the rocket and spacecraft to lift off safely from the launch pad.
By NASA
April 13, 2022
The Moon acts as a background for the Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 21, 2022. The SLS and Orion atop the mobile launcher were transported to the pad on crawler-transporter 2 for a prelaunch test called a wet dress rehearsal. Artemis I will be the very first integrated test of the SLS and Orion spacecraft. In later objectives, NASA will land the very first woman and the very first person of color on the surface area of the Moon, paving the method for a long-lasting lunar existence and functioning as a stepping stone on the method to Mars. Credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
Overnight, launch controllers powered up the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System rockets core phase. Communications links in between Orion and the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston were confirmed, and preparations of the 4 RS-25 engines, which will not be lit throughout the wet dress practice session, continued. Over the next several hours, controllers will charge Orions batteries and perform final preparations and closeout activities for the umbilicals.
The umbilicals offer power, interactions, coolant, and fuel to various parts of the rocket. Additional accessories provide access and stabilize the rocket and spacecraft. Throughout launch, each umbilical releases from its connection point, enabling the rocket and spacecraft to lift off securely from the launch pad.
The objective management team is set up to meet at 11 a.m. EDT to evaluate the status of operations. The next upgrade will be posted after the conclusion of the conference.
NASA will provide live updates on the Exploration Ground Systems Twitter account. NASA is also streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube channel.