Article #1 Final
Comments(0) | NASA’s Artemis 1 mission to launch the Space Launch System (SLS) is delayed after facing issues with a leak in a hydrogen fuel line.
On August 29, SLS was scheduled to launch, but at 11:17 am the launch was called off. A New York Times article explained, “A sensor reported that one of the rocket’s four core-stage engines was not sufficiently chilled, part of the preparations needed before ignition”. A warm engine could have caused the launch to shut down during liftoff. Engineers are currently working to fix this issue.
NASA is hopeful to try lifting off on September 5-6, but that is only if the weather is favorable. If Artemis 1 is forced to reschedule it may go into the Vehicle Assembly Building until late September- October.
The New York Times explains that “NASA officials argue that the moon missions are central to its human spaceflight program and not simply a do-over of the Apollo moon landings from 1969 to 1972”.
Humans will not be on this trip. Instead, three high-tech manikins (Helga, Zohar, and Moonikin Campos) are filled with sensors that will test how the human body responds to space travel. An article on Vox.com explained in their article that “Helga and Zohar are designed to measure the effects of radiation on women’s bodies in space, and Moonikin Campos will sit in the commander’s seat to track just how bumpy a voyage to the moon might be for future human crew members”.
Artemis 1 is set into place to explore the possibility of astronaut treks across the moon, lunar human habitat, and a new space station called Gateway. Water Ice located on the moon could serve to give astronauts oxygen and water to then explore deeper into the galaxy.
Artemis 1 is Nasa’s attempt to launch the SLS (NASA’s most powerful rocket), carrying the Orion spacecraft designed to travel past the moon and beyond before returning to earth (New York Times).
If Artemis 1 Is a successful trip it will prepare NASA for other Artemis missions: “Artemis 2 is scheduled to send humans on a similar trip around the moon in 2024, and Artemis 3 will make history by landing the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface sometime in 2025, at the earliest”, explained Vox.com.
According to Vox.com, Artemis 1 will not be returning to Earth but will be launching 10 miniature satellites, called CubeSats.
Nasa will continue by preparing a fuel test to check if the SLS rocket’s hydrogen lead is fixed, according to Space.com. This test is scheduled to occur Saturday, Sep 17. “This demonstration will allow engineers to check the new seals under cryogenic, or super cold, conditions as expected on launch day and before proceeding to the next launch attempt,” NASA wrote.
There is a possibility to launch on September 27 if the rocket passes the testing.
https://www.space.com/artemis-1-moon-rocket-leaky-seals-replaced