Marking the first integrated flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft beyond the Moon, the launch of Artemis I will represent a moment in space history.
As a result of the previous aborted missions, NASA said on Monday (Sept. 12) that it would conduct the demonstration test no earlier than Sept. 21.
It has updated its request for a launch opportunity to September 27, with a potential October 2 back-up currently under review.
As a result, NASA had to cancel previous launch dates due to liquid hydrogen leaks.
Speaking at the time, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA’s Artemis launch director, said the teams encountered a leak of liquid hydrogen while loading the propellant into the rocket’s main stage.
He also reported that numerous troubleshooting efforts to address the leak area, by reinserting a seal in the quick disconnect where liquid hydrogen is fed into the rocket, did not resolve the problem.
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While it cannot be definitively said what caused the leak, attention has focused on inadvertent overpressurization of the hydrogen line early in the morning and incorrect commands to the wrong valve, according to reports.
Engineers tried to push helium through the line, but to no avail.
gasworld understands that Artemis I crews spent the weekend completing repairs to the hydrogen leak area, connecting the ground side plates and the quick-disconnect rocket for the liquid hydrogen fuel supply line, where two seals were replaced last week.
NASA said that this week, teams will conduct tests under ambient conditions to make sure there is a tight connection between the two plates before testing again during the cryogenic tank demonstration and beginning preparations for the test.
Both liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen will be loaded into the core and inner cryogenic propulsion stage of the SLS as part of the demonstration. This will allow NASA to see if previously discovered leaks have been successfully repaired.
If the launch goes ahead as planned on September 27, Artemis I is expected to land on November 5.
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