NASA engineers have replaced the leaky seal of the Artemis 1. Last week, a fitting on one of the fuel lines to the SLS started leaking hydrogen, according to Engadget.
(Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
The Artemis I unmanned lunar rocket sits on its launch pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on September 6, 2022.
The ground crew at the Kennedy Space Center tried to solve the problem thrice, only for the leak to persist and force the agency to call off the launch attempt. Also, last week, the engineers replaced the seal on a four-inch hydrogen "bleed line" that was responsible for a smaller leak during an earlier launch attempt.
A Dry Run
With new gaskets in place, the agency will do a dry run to ensure everything's working as intended. The engineers will attempt to load SLS with 736,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen that will be necessary during its regular flight. The agency wants to complete the test by September 17.
The dry run will let engineers check the new seals under cryogenic conditions as expected on the launch the day before they attempt to launch it again.
Last week, NASA announced that it is aiming for a September 23rd launch with a September 27th backup date.
Current flight regulations will need the agency to test the battery of Artemis 1's flight termination system every 20 days. Therefore, this can only be done at the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The Space Force granted NASA an extension on the 20-day deadline, and now, the agency has asked for another waiver.
Also Read: NASA Artemis 1 Mission Is Sending A Lamb to The Moon - 'Shaun The Sheep'
The Artemis 1
Artemis 1 will launch an uncrewed flight to the Moon. There, the spacecraft will orbit the Moon. It is a critical first step in NASA's goal of returning to the Moon. It will test the SLS, the Orion, and the Gateway.
The Artemis 1 comprises the SLS and the Orion. The SLS will launch the Orion into deep space, then orbit the Moon and land. Then, Orion will return to Earth. The mission will get the Artemis 1 crew ready for its first mission.
The Artemis 1 mission will pave the way for the first crewed flight of the Orion right after its debut in the Artemis 1.
The journey to the Moon will last for four days. The spacecraft will be in deep space for one month. On the Moon, the Artemis 1 will make a complete orbit around the lunar body. During this time, it will collect samples and conduct experiments. Then, the Orion will start its journey back to Earth. The spacecraft will complete a perfect ballistic entry, then splash down in the Pacific Ocean.
Related Article: Wonder How the Artemis Program Will Bring NASA From Moon to Mars?
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Written by April Fowell
