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officials in NASA is delaying the next launch attempt for its lunar megarocket Artemis I by four days until September 27, space The agency announced Monday.
The Artemis mission team had previously been pointing to september 23. Oct. 2 is a possible backup date that is “under review,” according to NASA.
Space The agency is still working on a problem with the rocket, called the Space Launch System, or SLS, which a leak arose while feeding with supercooled liquid hydrogen during the final launch attempt at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, September 3. Repair work in the area of the hydrogen leak occurred over the weekend, according to NASA.
Space The agency had been working to test the system that powers liquid hydrogen on September 17, but the date for that cryogenic test has now been pushed back to September 21, NASA noted on its Artemis blog.
“The updated dates represent careful consideration of multiple logistical issues, including the added value of having more time to prepare for the cryogenic demonstration test and, subsequently, more time to prepare for launch. The dates also allow managers to ensure get crews plenty of rest and replenish supplies of cryogenic propellants,” NASA shared in the blog post.
The test on September 21 will include an engine purge test, according to the agency. The mission team scrapped the first Artemis I launch attempt on August 29 largely because of a problem encountered during engine purging, which cools the engines for launch, which officials believe was due to a sensor. defective.
The September 27 release window is 70 minutes long, shorter than the 120-minute window available on September 23.
officials in NASA said the space agency continues to provide information to the Eastern Range, which must grant a waiver to allow the rocket to remain on the launch pad.
READ MORE: The big numbers that make Artemis I a monumental feat
“NASA continues to follow the Eastern Range process for review of the agency’s request for an extension to the current test requirement for the flight termination system and provides additional information and data as needed. In parallel, the agency continues with preparations for cryogenic demonstration testing and potential launch opportunities, should the application be approved,” the blog stated.
