Thursday, March 28

The “mega rocket” that will take us back to the Moon passes its last test: its historic flight, closer


Good news for the return of the human being to the Moon. After several failed attempts, the Space Launch System (SLS), has managed to pass the so-called “wet dress rehearsal”, which consisted mainly of filling fuel tanks and simulating a launch sequence. Now, the 98-meter-high rocket is in the final stretch for the first mission of the Artemis Program, which could happen in August.

The latest rehearsal, which ended last Monday, was far from perfect. During the fueling stage, mission technicians discovered a hydrogen leak in the quick-disconnect kit that connects one of the cables linking the tail service mast to the rocket’s center stage. However, since it was not a major failure, they decided not to suspend the planned tasks.

NASA takes the risk of not doing another test and bets everything on Artemis I

The mission management and launch teams gave the green light to continue with the fuel load, albeit with some modifications in relation to the original scheme. A) Yes, They managed to fill the liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks 100%test all systems and count down to T-29 seconds, critical moments when the launch computer takes control of the process.

nasa sls 3

The next step was to evaluate the results of the trial. Since the hydrogen leak had been discovered, it was possible that NASA decided to make a new attempt, which would have further delayed the Artemis I mission. However, the US agency has concluded that despite the problems, the SLS does not need further proof and, assuming the risks, has stated that is ready for its maiden flight.

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The truth is that there is still no date for the launch of Artemis I. According to a statement, NASA has ruled out the next launch window, which is between June 26 and August 10, and towards the next one, which starts the August 23 and closes on September 6. Before the agency adds this important event to its calendar, it must first fix the problem of the hydrogen leak.

To do this, the SLS rocket and the Orón capsule will return to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). There, they will not only make the necessary repairs, but also a series of sensors included specifically for the test will be removed and the final checks will be carried out for the takeoff of Artemis I.

Artemis I, the first step to return to the Moon

It has been a long time since the last time the human being stepped on the Moon. The last to do so was Commander Eugene Cernan, on the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Now, all hope is pinned on the Artemis program and its first mission, Artemis I. There will be no astronauts on it, but rather an uncrewed flight that will allow the rocket and all the systems to be tested in a real setting.

Nasa SLS 12

The SLS with the Orion capsule will lift off from historic Launch Complex 39B, which has seen the likes of the Saturn V, space shuttles and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 soar. The mission will last approximately six days. In that time, small satellites known as CubeStats will be deployed (several of these were lost in a failed Astra mission), the capsule will fly about 100km above the Moon’s surface and then return to Earth.

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Artemis: dates, plans and everything we know about the mission to return man to the Moon

It won’t be until Artemis II (scheduled for 2024) that we’ll see a manned mission. Y we will have to wait until Artemis III (scheduled for 2025) to set foot on the Moon again. However, the program, which has suffered so many delays, now seems to be on track and the updated dates are closer to being fulfilled.

Images | POT

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