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NASA’s Artemis 1 rocket at Launch Pad 39B, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A team of engineers is working to replace the seal at the interface, called a quick break, between the liquid hydrogen fuel supply line on mobile launchers and rockets. Photo / NASA /
Engineers working on repairs to the tail section of the massive Artemis 1 Space Launch System (SLS) completed the gasket replacement on Friday, September 9, 2022. NASA is targeting a refueling test of the Artemis 1 rocket which will take place on September 17. 2022.
“This demonstration will allow engineers to inspect the new seal in cryogenic or super-cold conditions, as planned on launch day and before proceeding to the next launch attempt,” NASA wrote.).
Read also; NASA tackles hydrogen fuel leak, Artemis 1 launch is scheduled for September 23, 2022
Repairs were made to repair a hydrogen fuel leak in the 8-inch path leading to the center stage of the 32-story SLS rocket. The leak forced NASA to cancel the Artemis 1 launch attempt on September 3, the first unmanned test flight of the Artemis program aimed at returning astronauts to the moon.
While replacing that seal, the engineers also replaced the seal on the smaller 4-inch hydrogen “purge line” as it spotted a leak during the test launch on August 29, 2022. After repair work is done completed, NASA is now preparing for a refueling test to check for hydrogen leaks, the SLS rocket has actually been successfully repaired.
The test could be carried out as early as Saturday 17 September 2022 and will fill the 98-meter high rocket with the 736,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen needed for launch. The refueling test will allow NASA to conduct so-called “preliminary tests” on the four main engines of the SLS rocket.
Read also; A fuel leak occurs, the launch of the Artemis 1 rocket is again canceled
The test was designed to cool the engine to minus 420 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 251 degrees Celsius to prepare the super-cooled propellant. NASA was unable to perform that test during Artemis 1’s first two launch attempts.
“The team confirmed that the leak has been repaired and has also carried out initial tests and pre-stress tests. These tests will validate the hardware and software on the ground in flight capable of performing the functions required of the engines for flight. “wrote the NASA official.
NASA says it is aiming for September 23 for its next Artemis launch attempt 1 or September 27. The exact launch time depends on NASA fixing the fuel leak and the SLS rocket passing the refueling test.
“After the tests, the team will evaluate the data along with plans for the next launch opportunity,” NASA said.
(Spider web)
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