Following two unsuccessful makes an attempt at launching its new rocket, NASA is gearing up for a 3rd try at launching the Space Launch System on September 27. As a part of the launch preparations, this time NASA will carry out a separate cryogenic demonstration take a look at a number of days earlier than the launch date to examine whether or not latest fixes have labored. This take a look at will probably be livestreamed by NASA this week, and we’ve obtained all the data you want to know concerning the take a look at and the way to watch it beneath.
With the Space Launch System rocket nonetheless on the launch pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, fixes have been made on website and the take a look at is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21.
What to count on from the take a look at
The two earlier makes an attempt to launch the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on the uncrewed Artemis I mission across the moon have had points with hydrogen leaks. The rocket makes use of a combination of each liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as gas, however getting the liquid hydrogen into the rocket’s core stage has proved troublesome.
During the primary try at launch, there was a small liquid hydrogen leak however the launch was known as off resulting from points with the engines. During the second try, nevertheless, there was a extra severe leak and a number of makes an attempt to repair it have been unsuccessful.
Since then, NASA engineers have accomplished restore work to the {hardware} affected by the leak. To attempt to keep away from one other leak difficulty, the tanking take a look at will see the rocket’s tanks crammed with gas to check out whether or not all the things goes easily forward of the particular launch.
“The demonstration test will allow teams to confirm the repair to a hydrogen leak seen during an early September Artemis I launch attempt, evaluate updated propellant loading procedures, and conduct additional evaluations,” NASA explains. “The demonstration will conclude when the objectives for the test have been met.”
How to observe the take a look at
The take a look at will probably be livestreamed on NASA TV, which you’ll be able to watch both through the use of the video embedded close to the highest of this web page or by heading to NASA’s web site. Coverage is scheduled to start at 7:15 a.m. ET (4:15 a.m. PT) on Wednesday, September 21.
There is one other house occasion occurring that day as nicely, with the launch of the Russian Soyuz MS-22 mission to the International Space Station. NASA TV will swap over to point out the launch protection round 9 a.m. ET (6 a.m. PT), however if you wish to proceed watching the tanking take a look at that will probably be accessible on NASA TV’s media channel.
Editors’ Recommendations
