The 4 RS-25 engines on NASAs Space Launch System rocket produce more than 2 million pounds of thrust. The launch director is expected to offer a “go” to begin loading cryogenic propellants into the rocket at roughly 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The test is prepared to conclude around 3 p.m. after the groups have actually met the goals and will not go into the terminal count stage of the launch countdown.
NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B on Monday, August 29, 2022, as the Artemis I release groups pack more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants consisting of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as the launch countdown progresses at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
In the days considering that the previous launch attempt, engineering groups have evaluated the seals that were replaced on an interface for the liquid hydrogen fuel line between the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the mobile launcher. It might have been a contributing aspect to the leak on the previous launch effort.
With brand-new seals, updated cryogenic treatments, and extra ground software automation, Artemis groups are now preparing to demonstrate the updates under the very same cryogenic conditions the rocket will experience on launch day. The 4 primary objectives during the presentation consist of examining the repair work to deal with the hydrogen leakage, loading propellants into the rockets tanks utilizing the brand-new procedures, conducting the kick-start bleed, and performing a pre-pressurization test.
Credit: NASA/MSFC
Based on recent engineering evaluations, the brand-new cryogenic loading treatments and ground automation will transition temperature levels and pressures more gradually during tanking. This is expected to minimize the possibility of leakages that might be caused by rapid changes in temperature level or pressure. After the liquid hydrogen tank transitions from the slow fill stage to quick fill, NASA groups will initiate, or “kick-start,” the circulation of liquid hydrogen through the engines to start conditioning, or cooling them down, for launch.
In the days considering that the previous launch effort, engineering teams have evaluated the seals that were replaced on a user interface for the liquid hydrogen fuel line in between the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the mobile launcher. After the liquid hydrogen tank transitions from the sluggish fill phase to fast fill, NASA groups will start, or “kick-start,” the flow of liquid hydrogen through the engines to begin conditioning, or cooling them down, for launch.
After both tanks have actually reached the renew stage, the pre-pressurization test will bring the liquid hydrogen tank up to the pressure level it will experience prior to launch while engineers adjust the settings for conditioning the engines at a higher flow rate, as will be done during the terminal count. Performing the pressurization test throughout the presentation will make it possible for groups to dial in the necessary settings and confirm timelines prior to launch day, decreasing schedule risk throughout the launch countdown.
The four RS-25 engines on NASAs Space Launch System rocket produce more than 2 million pounds of thrust. The 4 RS-25 engines last fired throughout the core phase Green Run hot fire test at NASAs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, in March 2021. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
The launch director is anticipated to provide a “go” to start filling cryogenic propellants into the rocket at roughly 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The test is planned to conclude around 3 p.m. after the teams have fulfilled the goals and will not go into the terminal count phase of the launch countdown.
Throughout the test, teams will fill propellants into both the core stage and upper phase tanks, and Orion and the SLS boosters will remain unpowered. Meteorologists presently forecast beneficial weather for the test with a 15% chance of lightning within 5 nautical miles of the area, which satisfies the criteria required for the test. Meteorologists will continue to keep an eye on expected conditions.
NASA Television will provide live coverage with commentary of the demonstration beginning at 7:15 a.m. EDT (4:15 a.m. PDT) on Wednesday, September 21. Constant live video of the Artemis I rocket and spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B stays offered on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube Channel.