Los últimos planes de la NASA para probar el cohete lunar Artemis I

El cohete del Sistema de Lanzamiento Espacial (SLS) de la NASA con la nave espacial Orion golpea la parte superior de un lanzador móvil en el Complejo de Lanzamiento 39B mientras el equipo de lanzamiento de Artemis I se prepara para la próxima prueba de vestimenta húmeda, al igual que el cohete SpaceX Falcon 9. La nave espacial Crew Dragon de la compañía se lanzará en el Complejo de Lanzamiento 39A mientras continúan los preparativos para la Misión Axiom 1 (Ax-1) el miércoles 6 de abril de 2022 en el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA en Florida. La misión Ax-1 es la primera misión privada de astronautas a la Estación Espacial Internacional. El comandante de la tripulación del Ax-1 Michael Lopez-Allegria de España, de los Estados Unidos, el piloto Larry Connor de los Estados Unidos, los especialistas de misión Eitan Steiben de Israel, Mark Patti de Canadá, lanzados desde la nave espacial Kennedy Space 39 el 8 de abril. Centro. Crédito: NASA / Joel Kowsky

interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) with the ground systems at Kennedy. Due to the changes in loading procedures required for the modified test, wet dress rehearsal testing is slated to resume with call to stations on Tuesday, April 12 and tanking on Thursday, April 14. Wet dress rehearsal is an opportunity to refine the countdown procedures and validate critical models and software interfaces. The modified test will enable engineers to achieve the test objectives critical to launch success.  

Engineers have identified a helium check valve that is not functioning as expected, requiring these changes to ensure safety of the flight hardware. Helium is used for several different operations, including purging the engine, or clearing the lines, prior to loading propellants during tanking, as well as draining propellant. A check valve is a type of valve that allows liquid or gas to flow in a particular direction and prevents backflow. The helium check valve is about three inches long and prevents the helium from flowing back out of the rocket. 

Following the modified test, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will return to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where engineers will evaluate the valve and replace if needed. Teams are confident in the ability to replace the valve once back in the VAB.   

NASA will host a teleconference to discuss details on Monday, April 11. Check back at this blog for an update on the countdown timeline prior to the modified wet dress rehearsal testing for the Artemis I mission. NASA is streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube channel.