But there are still several things that could stand in the way of the launch of the Artemis I mission, each of which could push the launch date further, CNN reported.
NASA is trying to solve the fuel leak problem with the rocket, called Space Launch System or SLS.
It is not yet known how long this will take.
Range managers are responsible for ensuring that there is no risk to persons or property during any launch attempt.
And that means the eastern range must also give NASA the go-ahead that the rocket’s flight termination system – a system that will essentially destroy the rocket in mid-air if it veers off course and starts heading in a populated direction – is ready to fly.
This system, however, relies on batteries which, under current rules, must be recharged at a nearby indoor facility before the newly proposed launch dates arrive.
NASA hopes to get a waiver to this rule. But it is not yet known when or if this request will be granted. If NASA does not obtain this waiver approval, the SLS rocket will have to be removed from the pad and returned to the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building, which will cause further delays.
At the press conference, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Missions Directorate, Jim Free, said, “If they decide it’s not the right thing to do, we will obviously support that and pull back and look for our next launch attempt. »
“But we will continue to push for the tanking test,” he said, referring to tests NASA plans to perform to repair hydrogen leaks while the rocket is still on the pad.
The Artemis I flight test is an uncrewed mission around the Moon that will pave the way for crewed flight test and future human lunar exploration as part of Artemis.
“Officials canceled the first launch attempt on August 29 when the launch controllers were unable to cool the four RS-25 engines, with one engine showing higher temperatures than the other engines,” the company said. NASA in an earlier statement.
NASA had canceled a planned test flight of the Artemis rocket around the moon after a series of setbacks including an engine problem, a hydrogen leak and stormy weather off the coast of Florida.
“The launch of Artemis I is no longer taking place today as teams address an engine bleeding issue. Teams will continue to collect data and we will keep you posted on when the next launch attempt will be,” NASA said in a previous tweet.
It is the first mission of NASA’s Artemis lunar program, which is expected to land the agency’s astronauts on the Moon on its third mission in 2025.
NASA plans to fly Orion 60 miles above the moon’s surface, before moving into a wide orbit around the lunar body. To return, Orion will use the moon’s gravity to help set a trajectory back into Earth’s orbit.
Orion is expected to dive into the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, Calif., where a team of NASA and Department of Defense personnel will recover the capsule.