NASA once again delayed the final test of the next generation room launch system. This body spent a lot last weekend conducting a “wet dress exercise” from the upcoming 1 Artemis mission. This test is designed to replicate the mission countdown procedure and most move together the plan until NASA has a problem with the SLS cellphone launcher platform.
This problem prevents the agency for loading rockets safely with liquid propellant, and NASA delays the critical test to solve the problem. At first it was planned to continue the test on April 9 to accommodate Axiom’s historic space flights, but it was announced today further delayed the trial next week. It also announces that it will modify the test after the engineer pays attention to the problem with a helium inspection valve designed to prevent gas from getting out of SLS. The modified test will see NASA especially focus on the rocket core fuel stage, with “minimal propellant operations” from the top stage.
“Because changes in the loading procedure needed for the modified test, testing wet dress training is scheduled to be continued with a call to the station on Tuesday, April 12 and Tanking on Thursday, April 14,” NASA said.
After the test is complete, NASA finally can move forward with Artemis 1. The mission will send orion capsules without manned on flights around the moon designed to learn how human trips will affect human astronauts. Agency will not set a date for the mission until completing the wet dress training. If you don’t encounter further setbacks this week, Artemis 1 can lift in early June.