NASA’s Giant SLS Rocket Is One Step Closer to Launch

NASA engineers got through most of the last test before the launch of the Space Launch System rocket. The team will decide this summer's launch date for the world's most powerful rocket after reviewing their data from the test.

The SLS team began running through a practice test called the "wet dress rehearsal test" after rolling the mega-rocket with the crew capsule on top. Problems with valves, hydrogen leaks, and launch tower fans caused previous attempts to founder, but the team has solved those issues and loaded the rocket's propellant tanks. They stopped the entire procedure at T 29 seconds. It's possible that it's enough to finish preparing for the launch.

"It was a long day for the team, but it was a very successful day, and it accomplished a majority of the objectives that we had not completed in the prior wet dress."

Most of the objectives were met, but they didn't follow the plan. There was a leak of liquid hydrogen in the line that connects to the rocket's core stage. The launch computer would usually be triggered by a leak on launch day. The team decided to trick the computer into not seeing the leak warnings so they could continue with the practice. They made it farther than ever before, but they didn't make it to the planned time, where the core stage's engines would fire up.

In a few days, the team will make a decision about whether to go through the whole test again or if they have enough information to launch Artemis 1 later this summer.

The launch of the SLS rocket will be part of a series of back-to-the- moon events. As soon as this Saturday, NASA plans to launch a small satellite that will travel the path of the lunar gateway space station, which is expected to be a staging point for astronauts traveling between Earth and the moon.

Between July 26 and August 10 is when the next possible launch window for Artemis 1 will open. A loop around the moon will be flown by that uncrewed mission.

There are at least four more Artemis missions planned. The second mission will involve a crewed lunar flyby and the third mission will bring NASA astronauts back to the moon after 50 years. The lunar gateway will be built by subsequent Artemis missions. At today's press conference, members of the team said they feel confident about the rocket's systems now that they have met their most important milestone The Artemis mission manager said the team demonstrated tremendous discipline. The way forward to the moon is paved by Artemis 1 and yesterday put us on a path for Artemis 1 as well.