UPDATE: NASA announced an update to both the cryogenic test and the next launch attempt for the Artemis 1 mission. The cryogenic demonstration test will take place no earlier than September 21st and the next launch opportunity request has been made for September 27th, with a backup launch date of October 2nd.
Over the last several days, engineers have been working at the base of the Artemis I rocket and the Tail Service Mast Umbilical (TSMU). Teams constructed scaffolding and erected a makeshift tent around the LH2 umbilical. Work focused on the 8-inch liquid hydrogen feed line seal. Engineers removed the quick disconnect plates on the ground and rocket side, then removed and replaced the seal on the 8-inch LH2 feed line.
Once work on the seal is complete, teams will reconnect the quick disconnect plates, and tests to evaluate the new seal will be performed. NASA has stated that teams will test the new seal under cryogenic conditions no earlier than September 17.
The Core Stage will be loaded with fuel to validate the repair under conditions expected during launch day. A complete plan for the checkouts is in the process of being formalized. Teams will also perform the kick start bleed test and validate ground and flight hardware systems, to thermally condition the RS-25 engines for flight.
NASA submitted a request to the Eastern Range for an extension of the current testing requirement for the flight termination system. NASA has also requested two potential launch opportunities this September:
– September 23: Two-hour launch window opens at 6:47 a.m. EDT; landing on October 18 and
– September. 27: 70-minute launch window opens at 11:37 a.m.; landing on November 5.
The approval of these dates will depend on three things. First, that the Eastern Range granting NASA’s request for an extension on their testing requirement for the SLS Flight Termination System. Second, a successful cryogenic test of the LH2 seal on September 17. And third, that range availability and scheduling include NASA’s DART mission impact with an asteroid, a government satellite launching from Vandenberg in California, and the Space X Crew 5 mission to the International Space Station.
