The SLS rocket has been repaired by NASA. The agency scrubbed its most recent attempt to launch Artemis 1 due to a leaking seal. One of the fuel lines to the SLS began leaking hydrogen on September 3rd. Kennedy Space Center's ground crew tried to fix the problem three times, but the leak persisted and forced NASA to call off the launch. Engineers replaced the seal on the 4-inch hydrogen line that was responsible for the smaller leak during the August 29th launch attempt.
NASA is going to conduct a fueling test to verify that the new gasket is working. Engineers will attempt to load the SLS with 736,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen in order to fly it on a regular basis. The test is expected to be completed by September 17th. Engineers will be able to check the new seals under super cold conditions before proceeding to the next attempt.
On Thursday, NASA said it was going to put Artemis 1 into space on September 23rd, with a second attempt on September 27th. Next week's fueling test and a decision from the US Space Force will determine whether those dates can be made. NASA is required to test the battery of Artemis 1 every 20 days. The Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building is the only place it can do that. The space force gave the agency an extension. NASA has requested a second Waiver.
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