NASA was eyeing September 23 or September 27 for the launch of Artemis 1, which will use a Space launch system (SLS) megarocket to send an Orion capsule on an uncrewed test flight into lunar orbit. But the agency announced in a blog post on Monday afternoon (September 12) that the previous date no longer plays. It is now targeting September 27 for Artemis 1 liftoff, with a possible backup date of October 2. Artemis 1 it was supposed to be high already. NASA first attempted to launch the mission on August 29, but was thwarted by an abnormal temperature reading in one of the SLS’s RS-25 first-stage engines. The mission team soon traced this issue to a faulty temperature sensor and readied SLS and Orion for another test on September 3. liquid hydrogen propellant leak he repelled this disembarkation attempt as well. The leak occurred at a “quick disconnect,” an interface that connects the SLS core stage to a propulsion line coming from the rocket’s mobile launch tower. The Artemis 1 team replaced two seals around the fast disconnect last week, and other repair work related to the issue was completed over the weekend, NASA officials wrote in the update. NASA is now preparing for an SLS power test, which will pump supercooled propellant into the SLS to show that the leak has indeed been repaired. The agency was targeting September 17th for this test, but it has now been pushed back to no earlier than September 21st. “The updated dates represent careful consideration of several logistical issues, including the added value of having more time to prepare for the cryogenic demonstration test and then more time to prepare for launch,” NASA officials wrote in Monday’s blog post (opens in a new ear). “The dates also allow managers to ensure teams get enough rest and replenish cryogenic propellant supplies. The Artemis 1 stack remains at NASA’s Pad 39B Kennedy Space Center in Florida, but may end up having to return to KSC’s massive Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The US Space Forcewhich oversees the Eastern Range for missile launches, certified Artemis 1’s Flight Termination System (FTS) for just 25 days — and that time is already up. NASA requested an extension to certify the FTS, which is designed to destroy Artemis 1’s stack if it veers off course during liftoff. If this request is denied, the vehicle must be removed from Pad 39B to the VAB, the only place where the test required for recertification can be performed. (Artemis 1 may have to return to VAB for repairs anyway if the fixes made to the pad don’t end up sticking.) “NASA continues to respect Eastern Range’s process to review the agency’s request to extend the current test requirement for the flight termination system and provide additional information and data as needed,” NASA wrote in Monday’s update. “In parallel, the agency continues preparations for the cryogenic demonstration test and possible launch opportunities, should the request be approved.” NASA has already received such an FTS extension, from 20 days to 25 days. The two upcoming liftoff dates for Artemis 1 are close to SpaceX’s Crew-5 astronaut mission for NASA, which is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station from KSC’s Pad 39A on October 3. “Teams are working on the upcoming commercial crew launch in parallel with Artemis 1 programming, and both launch programs will continue to be evaluated in the coming weeks,” NASA officials wrote in Monday’s update. Mike Wall is the author of “Out there (opens in new tab)” (Grand Central Publishing, 2018, illustrated by Karl Tate), a book about the search for extraterrestrial life. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall (opens in a new tab). Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab) or enabled Facebook (opens in a new tab).
