While there were some snags with the Artemis 1 "wet dress rehearsal," NASA was nevertheless able to complete a critical milestone at the end of the launch test.
For the first time, the agency could completely fuel all of the Space Launch System's propellant tanks and proceed to the final launch countdown.
Three prior attempts to fuel the SLS earlier this year were ended prematurely owing to different leaks and other concerns that have since been resolved.
This wet launch was not without flaws since NASA had to be careful with fueling and put it on hold several times since the rehearsal began on Saturday.
The fueling was halted due to a problem with the rocket's backup supply of gaseous nitrogen last Monday morning. But fortunately, NASA was able to repair the gaseous nitrogen line valve and fueling was resumed a few hours later.
However, as CNN reports, a few problems surfaced just as the team was wrapping up the fueling procedure on the afternoon of Monday. The team detected a hydrogen leak and had to come up with a solution after their initial attempt failed.
In addition, a small fire broke out near the launch site due to the flare stack, which fires extra liquid hydrogen from the rocket.
Finally, the launch controllers devised a scheme to conceal data related to the leak in order to avoid a launch computer hold.
Read also: NASA Artemis I All Set for Second 'Wet Dress Rehearsal' - Will It Be Successful This Time?
Numerous Critical Launch Procedures
After a lengthy delay, they were able to restart the 10-minute final launch countdown and get to T-29 seconds before having to call the test off, even though the launch crew had initially planned to keep the countdown going until T-33 seconds well before launch.
Nonetheless, NASA was able to accomplish numerous critical launch procedures while the test was ongoing, such as handing control from the ground launch to the automated launch sequencer that was under the rocket's software.
The space agency will now evaluate the test data results to see if it can officially set a flight date for Artemis 1. The mission will be the SLS's first launch, carrying an uncrewed Orion to the Moon and back, and could happen sometime in August.
Artemis I is the first of a series of more complex missions aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon in the next decades, according to NASA.
Following that, Artemis II will send Orion on a similar journey with a crew, while Artemis III will seek to place the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface as early as 2025.
Related Article: NASA Artemis I Offers Last Chance to 'Fly Your Name to the Moon': Here's How to Register
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
