NASA has announced that the new launch date for the Artemis I launch vehicle will be September 27th.. The space agency added that in the event of a recurrence of any problem preventing the takeoff, the attempt will be repeated on October 2.
The postponement of the launch of the space mission comes after NASA was previously forced to delay the launch twice first due to engine failure and then due to problems with the rocket’s fuel system.
This latest accident was one of the most serious, as it was associated with a hydrogen leak, but experts assure that this inconvenience has already been eliminated and the faulty seals of the quick disconnect system from which the leak originated have been replaced. To make sure that all repairs are done correctly, the space agency plans to conduct a test next Wednesday, September 21.
In the case of positive results, everything will be ready for the rocket to take off in six days.
One aspect on which there is still no firm position is whether NASA will retest the batteries of the missile’s abort system.. These batteries are designed so that in the event of a catastrophic in-flight problem, space forces can destroy the rocket before it hits the ground.
Nonetheless, being able to test said batteries would require the space agency to forcibly relocate the Space Launch System (SLS) to the vehicle assembly building.. While this may seem like a simple task since the distance is only four miles, in practice this is not the case because it involves a trip that can take several hours, a time that is doubled if one takes into account that the rocket must return to the launch site. platform.
Nonetheless, the decision to conduct an audit of the batteries remains with the Space Forces..
“NASA continues to monitor the Eastern Proving Ground process to review the agency’s request to extend the current flight termination system test requirements and provide additional information and data as needed. Parallel, Agency Continues Preparations for Cryogenic Demonstration Tests and Potential Launch Capabilitiesif the application is approved,” NASA said.
Source: La Opinion
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