NASA’s groups on the Kennedy Space Center in Florida proceed to arrange the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft again to launch pad 39B for its subsequent moist gown rehearsal. A number of weeks in the past, the large rocket and the spacecraft had been rolled out of the launch pad to make method for different launches after three failed rehearsal makes an attempt.
SLS is technically scheduled for its first launch in June 2022 however that’s nonetheless up within the air because it hasn’t but accomplished a moist gown rehearsal. These rehearsals contain a set of key trials that are designed to point out that Artemis 1’s SLS rocket, the Orion Spacecraft and their floor infrastructure are prepared for launch.
The first moist gown rehearsal started on April 1 and was alleged to wrap up 48 hours later however the crew bumped into many issues. These issues continued into the second and third efforts until the rocket lastly needed to be rolled off the launch pad to make method for different launches.
NASA introduced on May 13 that its groups are re-tightening bolts on the “umbilical lines” to the rocket to deal with the hydrogen leak recognized throughout one of many moist gown rehearsal makes an attempt. Engineers have confirmed that the bolts are not enjoyable by themselves, and this could imply that the system ought to stay tightly sealed throughout propellant loading.
The crew additionally changed the helium test valve on the “interim cryogenic propulsion stage” (ICPS). During this, they discovered a broken rubber O-ring seal within the space that separates the ICPS from the cell launcher throughout launch. This ring got here free and entered the valve, stopping it from sealing appropriately. The crew is now working to find out the basis reason for this to forestall recurrences.
The groups additionally decided that there was no water harm to the Orion spacecraft as a result of heavy thunderstorm on the spacecraft throughout the preliminary moist gown rehearsal try. The groups then retracted the platforms contained in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the place the SLS rocket is saved, in preparation to roll the SLS and Orion again to the launchpad.
There remains to be some work left to be finished contained in the VAB, publish which, NASA will announce the dates for rolling out to the rocket for the subsequent moist gown rehearsal.