It would be April 1. So it was planned for this Saturday (9). But, NASA ended up postponing one of the crucial tests of the Artemis 1 mission once once more. Now, the “wet test” of the project that will bring humanity back to the Moon will take place until next Tuesday (12 ).
This pre-launch activity is extremely important. The test takes place at Kennedy Space Center in the US state of Florida and focuses on the main tank of the huge Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the intermediate stage of cryogenic propulsion (ICPS), this part taking place on Thursday . 14).
The mission team decided to modify the test procedure to ensure the safety of the flight equipment. Engineers have a problem with a ‘helium check valve’, which is regarding 7.5 centimeters long and prevents gas from flowing back into the rocket, says a statement posted on the space agency’s website. American.
“Helium is used for a number of different operations, including engine purging or line cleaning, before propellant loading during the tank, as well as propellant draining. A check valve is a type of valve that allows the flow of liquid or gas in a specific direction and prevents backflow.
The “wet trial” is an opportunity to refine countdown procedures and validate critical models and software interfaces. With it, engineers can achieve critical test goals for the successful launch of the Artemis 1 mission.
After the test, the rocket and the Orion capsule return to the vehicle assembly site. There, professionals will assess the valve and replace it, if necessary. It is in this exchange that the teams rely.
Artemis 1 will be the first of the Artemis lunar program. In this initial mission, Orion travels to Earth’s natural satellite unmanned, for regarding a month. It is expected to launch in June. If all goes well, the Artemis 2 mission will send astronauts on a similar project around the Moon in 2024. So, in 2025 or 2026, Artemis 3 will land astronauts near the lunar south pole.
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