NASA announces new date for attempted launch of the Artemis 1 moon mission

NASA officials will delay the next attempt to launch the Artemis 1 mega-rocket by four days until September 27, the space agency announced on Monday.

The Artemis mission team previously targeted 23 September. October 2 is a potential backup date that is “under review,” according to NASA.

The space agency is still working on an issue with the rocket, called the Space Launch System or SLS, which had a leak while being fueled with super-cooled liquid hydrogen during the latest launch attempt at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. on the 3rd of September.

Repair work in the area of ​​the hydrogen leak took place over the weekend, according to NASA.

The space agency was working to test the system that feeds liquid hydrogen on September 17, but the date for that cryogenic test has now been pushed back to September 21, NASA noted on its Artemis blog.

“The updated dates represent careful consideration of several logistical topics, including the added value of having more time to prepare for the cryogenic demo test and, later, more time to prepare for launch. The dates also allow managers to ensure crews get enough rest and replenish cryogenic propellant supplies,” NASA shared in the blog post.

The test on September 21 will include an engine bleed test, according to the agency. The mission team cleared Artemis 1’s first launch attempt on August 29, largely due to an issue found

The September 27 launch window lasts 70 minutes—shorter than the 120-minute window available at 23 given during engine bleed, which cools the engines for launch, which officials believe is due to a faulty sensor. .

NASA officials said the space agency continued to provide information to the Eastern Range, which must grant an exemption to allow the rocket to remain on the launch pad.

“NASA continues to respect the Eastern Range process for reviewing the agency’s request for an extension of the current test requirement for the flight termination system and is providing additional information and data as needed. In parallel, the agency continues preparations for the cryogenic demonstration test and potential launch opportunities, should the order be approved,” the blog stated.

Source: CNN Brasil

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