NASA prepping for key fueling test of Artemis 1 moon rocket on Wednesday

NASA is preparing for a crucial fueling test of its Artemis 1 moon rocket on Wednesday that could keep it on course for a liftoff less than a week later.

The first mission in NASA's Artemis moon program will use a Space Launch System megarocket to send a capsule to the moon. Technical issues scuttled the planned liftoff twice.

The mission team traced the second leak of liquid hydrogen propellant to a faulty seal in the link between the SLS core stage and the fuel line. The problem may have been solved with the replacement of two seals at the quickDisconnect.

NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission has live updates.

If that fix worked, the fueling test will show it. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen will be pumped into the SLS at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The operation is going to start at 7 a.m. When the objectives for the test have been met, it will conclude on Wednesday.

The test can be watched live at Space.com or via the space agency.

The press conference will take place on Monday. The fueling test will be discussed at that time. The briefings will be live here as well.

The participants are in a discussion.

• Tom Whitmeyer, deputy associate administrator for Common Exploration Systems Development, NASA headquarters
• Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, NASA headquarters
• Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager, Exploration Ground Systems Program, NASA's Kennedy Space Center
• John Blevins, chief engineer, Space Launch System Program, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center

There is a backup window if Artemis 1 can't hit the launch opportunity.

The Artemis 1 stack arrived at Pad 39B on August 16. If Wednesday's fueling test doesn't go well, they may have to go back to the VAB for more work.

It is possible that Artemis 1 will have to return to the VAB. The mission's flight terminated system, which is supposed to destroy the rocket if it strays off course, was certified for 25 days. The time is up and NASA needs a Waiver from the U.S. Space Force. The Eastern Range is overseen by the Space Force.

NASA has been granted one waiver from 20 days to 25 days. The VAB would need to be rolled back if the second request is denied.

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