NASA has successfully completed a crucial wet dress rehearsal for its Artemis II test flight. This test involved loading cryogenic propellant into the Space Launch System (SLS) tanks and closing out the Orion spacecraft. The primary goal was to identify any potential issues before the upcoming launch attempt.
Details of the Wet Dress Rehearsal
The two-day rehearsal faced multiple challenges. However, engineers met many of the planned objectives, allowing them to gather valuable data. The agency is now targeting March as the earliest launch opportunity, moving away from its initial February timeline.
Astronauts’ Quarantine Status
With the shift in launch schedule, the Artemis II astronauts will be released from quarantine. They had entered this phase on January 21 in Houston and were scheduled to travel to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, but that plan has changed. The crew will re-enter quarantine approximately two weeks prior to the new launch date.
Countdown and Technical Challenges
- The countdown began at 8:13 p.m. EST on January 31, lasting approximately 49 hours.
- Engineers monitored the effects of cold weather on systems, which delayed the start of tanking operations.
- Several hours were spent troubleshooting a liquid hydrogen leak in the propellant routing interface.
To resolve the leak, the team had to stop the liquid hydrogen flow, allowing the interface to warm up for reseating the seals. Afterward, all tanks in both the core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage were successfully filled.
Operational Adjustments
During the rehearsal, engineers executed a trial run for the terminal countdown, progressing to about five minutes before the countdown was automatically halted due to a spike in the hydrogen leak rate. Additionally, the Orion crew module hatch pressurization valve, recently replaced, required retorquing, extending the closeout timeline.
Focus on Safety and Communication
Cold weather affected some equipment but did not severely hinder test activities. However, potential concerns for launch day were noted. Engineers also addressed recurring audio communication issues observed in the weeks leading up to the rehearsal.
To enhance safety, updated procedures were implemented for purging the Orion service module’s cavities with breathing air. This adjustment ensures the crew’s safety during hatch closure operations in the White Room.
Next Steps and Official Announcement
NASCAR is committed to reviewing all data from the rehearsal to mitigate issues identified. The health and safety of astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen are top priorities as they prepare for their mission.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is expected to release an official statement. Agency leaders will also discuss the initial findings in a news conference scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, which will be streamed live on NASA’s YouTube channel.
