The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are the core components of NASA’s Artemis mission to return American astronauts to the Moon.
Due to three failed launch rehearsals, NASA’s new generation Moon rocket, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), will be removed from the launch pad and transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for inspection and repairs. Future rehearsal and launch plans for the rocket have yet to be determined.
Failed Launch Rehearsals
According to CNN, NASA announced the failure of the rocket launch rehearsal during a press conference on April 18. The SLS rocket, which stands as tall as a 30-story building, is currently located at launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SLS rocket, with the Orion spacecraft on top, is scheduled to be transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, located 6.5 kilometers away, on April 26.
The SLS rocket was moved to the launch pad from the Vehicle Assembly Building about a month ago. However, three launch rehearsals since April 1 have been interrupted due to technical issues.
During the most recent launch rehearsal on April 14, staff were fueling the rocket’s core stage with cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen when they quickly noticed a liquid hydrogen leak, which caused the rehearsal to be halted.
The two previous launch rehearsals also could not be completed due to fan and valve malfunctions.
NASA’s new generation Moon rocket known as the “Space Launch System” (SLS). (Photo: Sina)
Rocket Awaiting Repairs
According to the New York Times, NASA officials initially stated that even when the SLS rocket was on the launch pad, the liquid hydrogen leak issue could be resolved.
However, CNN reported that the SLS rocket will be transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where technicians can assess the extent of the liquid hydrogen leak and replace faulty valves from previous launch rehearsals. There, the SLS rocket will also receive upgrades to its nitrogen supply system.
At a press conference held that day, Tom Whitmeyer, NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development, mentioned that preparing for a new rocket and spacecraft is “truly complex.”
Mr. Whitmeyer stated that regarding the issues arising during the rocket launch rehearsals, NASA staff are working hard to “piece all the pieces together,” with some problems already identified and many more “pieces” still awaiting assembly.
No Specific Date Set
NASA is currently evaluating how the SLS rocket will be deployed after repairs are made.
Mr. Whitmeyer confirmed that there will definitely be another rocket launch rehearsal.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, the Artemis mission’s launch director who attended the press conference that day, indicated that there are various options available, including quick repairs followed by a launch rehearsal, more comprehensive repairs to meet actual launch requirements, or conducting both the launch rehearsal and actual launch simultaneously.
NASA initially planned to launch the Artemis 1 mission between June 6 and June 16 after a successful launch rehearsal in April. At that point, the SLS rocket would send the Orion spacecraft into space for an uncrewed mission to orbit the Moon.
Since the SLS rocket will be transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs next week, this test flight mission is likely to be delayed and could only take place during the remaining time frames from late June to early August.
The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are the core components of the Artemis mission aimed at returning the U.S. to the Moon. As planned, the SLS rocket is expected to conduct a crewed lunar orbit mission as early as 2024 and land American astronauts back on the Moon by 2025.
Since the detailed plan was announced in 2019, the mission has faced delays and exceeded its budget by billions of dollars.
