NASA postpones date for next Artemis I launch attempt

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Officials in NASA postpones the next launch attempt of its massive Artemis I lunar rocket by four days until Sept. 27, Space Agency announced Monday.

He was a former Artemis mission team Aimed at September 23. October 2 is a possible backup date “under review,” according to NASA.

outer space The agency is still working on an issue with the missile, called the Space Launch System or SLS, which A leak arose during its ignition Using ultra-cold liquid hydrogen during the last launch attempt at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, September 3. Repair work occurred in the hydrogen leakage area over the weekend, according to NASA.

outer space NASA was working on testing the system feeding liquid hydrogen on September 17, but the date for that cryogenic test has now been pushed back to September 21, NASA reported in the Artemis blog.

“The updated dates represent careful consideration of multiple logistical topics, including the added value of having more time to prepare for the refrigeration demo test, and therefore more time to prepare for launch. The dates also allow managers to make sure teams get enough rest and rejuvenate. Refrigerant fuel supply,” NASA posted in a blog post.

The agency said the test, which will take place on September 21, will include an engine bleed test. The mission team removed the first Artemis I launch attempt on August 29 due to a problem encountered during engine bleeding, which caused the launch engines to cool down, which officials believe was due to a faulty sensor.

The launch window on September 27 is 70 minutes long — shorter than the 120-minute launch window available on September 23.

Officials in NASA said the space agency continues to provide information to the eastern range, which must grant a waiver to allow the rocket to remain on the launch pad.

Read more: The big numbers that make Artemis I a colossal achievement

NASA continues to honor the eastern range process review of the agency’s request to extend existing test requirements for the flight termination system and provides additional information and data as needed. In parallel, the agency is continuing preparations for pilot testing of the refrigerant and potential launch opportunities, should the application be approved,” the blog stated.