NASA will have a third chance to launch the Artemis-1 mission to the Moon on September 27. However, before igniting the rocket, it will perform a refueling operation to check for leaks.
The Artemis-1 Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft atop the mobile launch vehicle on the platform of Launch Complex 39B. (Photo: NASA)
STRONG POINTS
- The refueling operation consists of loading the rocket with fuel
- The third launch attempt is scheduled for September 27
- It will now depend on the success of the tanking operation
A week before trying to launch the Artemis-1 mission to the moon, in what will be the third attempt, NASA is in no mood to take risks. The American space agency will carry out a tanking operation on Wednesday in order to check for possible leaks and the repairs that have been carried out following the two cleaning attempts.
The refueling operation involves loading the rocket with fuel that will be used to push the Artemis-1 mission to the Moon, in what will set the stage for future crewed missions to the lunar world. The refueling operation will be conducted at the launch pad, where the Space Launch System remained parked after two cleanup attempts.
“The demonstration test will allow teams to confirm the repair of a hydrogen leak seen during an Artemis I launch attempt in early September, evaluate updated propellant loading procedures, and conduct additional evaluations,” NASA said, adding that the demonstration will end when the objectives of the test have been met.
When will Artemis-1 be launched?
The Artemis-1’s third launch attempt on its first mission to the moon is scheduled for September 27, but that will now depend on the success of the refueling operation on September 21. If the launch is delayed from September 27, a backup launch window will open on October 2.
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The launch was postponed to September 27 after engineers requested more time to resolve technical and logistical issues with the launch vehicle, which has been on the platform for almost a month now. They have completed repair work on the Artemis-1 launch vehicle, which developed leaks during the second launch attempt in the last week of August.
Nasa said the Artemis team replaced the Space Launch System rocket core stage seals associated with the liquid hydrogen leak, after disconnecting the ground and rocket-side plates on the interface, called the disconnect. fast, for liquid hydrogen supply line. .
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