NASA obviously did not judge its SLS (Space Launch System) ready and canceled three times the countdown which was to allow the first countdown test to be carried out in real conditions.
Designed as THE launcher that will allow men to return to the Moon, then to Mars and to deep space, NASA’s monster will still require a little work before carrying out its maiden flight.
The 98-meter high rocket encountered several minor technical problems, but which, in combination, led to the cancellation of the countdown even before the limit of the simulation.
The SLS had to carry out a WDR (Wet Dress Rehearsal) test, a countdown in real conditions, as if the rocket was really going to take off, with all the phases of feeding, conditioning and checkups… This test must be stop naturally 9 seconds before actual takeoff. However, on the 3 attempts, the rocket did not reach until these 9 seconds validating the test.
The rocket thus experienced several problems with leaks and error messages. Helium lines on the launch site have been spotted, as have hydrogen leaks from the supply boxes, a faulty valve has been spotted on the second stage… A host of damage which fortunately is detected at the during these simulations rather than during an actual launch with a manned capsule.
Faced with these three failures, the launcher was therefore repositioned under its VAB (assembly building) while the necessary adjustments and adjustments were made. Unfortunately, the procedure takes time: it takes more than 24 hours to move the rocket into its building.
NASA’s schedule is heavily modified: it will be necessary to resume the WDR tests as soon as possible. Note that during the longest test, the rocket was only filled with 49% oxygen and 5% hydrogen, there were still many steps before validating the test.
The actual launch scheduled for June could thus be compromised and failures could lead to mistrust in the US Senate with the loss of critical funding for the entire Artemis mission, which aims to return women and men to the Moon by this end. of year.
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