NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B brightened by spotlights, Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the Artemis I launch team carries out the damp dress practice session test at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ahead of NASAs Artemis I flight test, the wet dress practice session will run the Artemis I release team through operations to load propellant, conduct a complete launch countdown, show the capability to recycle the countdown clock, and drain pipes the tanks to practice timelines and treatments for launch. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
The Space Launch System rockets interim cryogenic propulsion phase (ICPS) and boosters were powered up overnight. Groups are in the process of clearing all non-essential personnel from the launch pad location in preparation for propellant packing operations.
At 6 a.m. EDT, or L-8 hours, 40 minutes, the launch group is anticipated to reach a prepared 1 hour, 30-minute built-in hold. During this time the mission management group will examine the status of operations, receive a weather condition briefing, and make a “go” or “no-go” choice to proceed with tanking operations.
Tanking milestones consist of filling the rockets core stage with a number of hundred thousand gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. This will happen over a series of different propellant packing turning points to fill, complement, and replenish the tank. Due to the fact that of an issue discovered a number of days ago with a helium check valve on the rocket which can not be repaired at the launch pad, cryogenic propellant will not be filled into the rockets upper phase.
NASA is streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft at the launch pad on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube channel. NASA is likewise sharing updates on the Exploration Ground Systems Twitter account
By NASA
April 14, 2022
