NASA (NASA) is still conducting Artemis 1 cryogenic demonstration test as planned on Wednesday, September 21 local time. In the days after the last launch attempt, the engineering team analyzed the replaced seals on the liquid hydrogen fuel pipeline interface between the space launch system (SLS) rocket and the mobile launcher. They also adjusted the procedure to load the low-temperature (or ultra-low-temperature) propellant into the rocket. Engineers found a small indentation on the 8-inch-diameter liquid hydrogen seal. This could be a factor that led to the leak in the previous launch attempt.
With new seals, updated cryogenic procedures and additional ground software automation, the Artemis team is now preparing to demonstrate these updates under the same cryogenic conditions experienced on the Rocket Launch Day. Four main objectives during the demonstration include: evaluating repairs to resolve hydrogen leaks, loading propellant into the rocket's tank using a new procedure, starting exhaust, and performing pre-pressure testing.
According to recent engineering evaluations, new cryogenic loading procedures and ground automation will transition temperature and pressure more slowly during canning. This is expected to reduce the possibility of leakage due to rapid changes in temperature or pressure. After the liquid hydrogen tank transitions from the slow filling phase to the fast filling, the NASA team will start the liquid hydrogen flow, start adjusting through the engine, or cool it for launch.
After both tanks have reached the replenishment phase, the prepressurization test will bring the liquid hydrogen tank to the pre-launch pressure level, while the engineers will calibrate the settings to adjust the engine at a higher flow rate, which will be done during the terminal counting. Performing pressurized testing during the demonstration will allow the team to set out necessary settings and verify schedules before launch day, reducing the risk of progress during the launch countdown. The call station for the
demo occurred on Monday, September 19th, 5pm ET (2pm PT). The launch supervisor is expected to issue a "start" around 7 a.m. Wednesday to start loading the rocket with cryogenic propellant. The test plan ends around 3 p.m. after each group reaches its target, and will not enter the terminal counting phase of launch countdown. If the situation requires, each team can extend the test time.
During the test, each team will load propellant into the tanks of the core and upper stages, while the Orion and SLS boosters will remain powerless. Meteorologists currently predict good weather during the test period, with 15% chance of lightning within a 5-nmph radius, which meets the criteria required for the test. meteorological companies will continue to monitor the expected conditions.
NASA TV will conduct live coverage and comment on the demonstration starting Wednesday, September 21 at 7:15 a.m. ET. The Artemis I rocket and spacecraft are still seen live streaming videos of the 39B launch pad on Kennedy Newsroom’s YouTube channel.
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