If the takeoff must be delayed, it will be attempted again on October 2
Photo: Joel Kowsky/NASA/Getty Images
NASA announced that the new launch date for the Artemis I mission rocket will be September 27.. The space agency added that in the event that any problem arises again that prevents the takeoff from being carried out, it will be attempted again on October 2.
The rescheduling of the start-up of the space mission occurs after NASA was previously forced to delay the launch twice first due to engine failure and later due to problems with the rocket’s fuel system.
This last failure was one of the most serious as it involved a hydrogen leak, however the experts assure that this inconvenience has already been resolved and the defective seals of the quick disconnection system where the leak had originated were replaced. In order to verify that all repairs have been carried out correctly, the space agency plans to carry out a test next Wednesday, September 21.
In the event of positive results, everything would be ready for the rocket to take off six days later.
One aspect on which there is still no firm position is whether NASA will retest the rocket’s flight termination system batteries.. These batteries are designed so that in the event of a catastrophic in-flight problem, the Space Force can destroy the rocket before it hits the ground.
Nevertheless, being able to check said batteries would forcefully require the space agency to move the Space Launch System (SLS) to the vehicle assembly building. Although this might seem like a simple task since the distance is only four miles, in practice it is not because it involves a trip that can take hours, a time that is doubled when taking into account that the rocket must return to the launch pad.
Nevertheless, the decision to carry out the revision no no of the batteries rests with the Space Force.
“NASA continues to follow the Eastern Range process for review of the agency’s request for an extension of the current test requirement for the flight termination system and provides additional information and data as needed. Parallel, agency continues preparations for cryogenic demonstration test and potential launch opportunitiesin case the application is approved, ”said NASA.
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Source-laopinion.com