NASA loads Artemis I rocket with fuel in major troubleshooting test

NASA's next- generation moon rocket tanked up with no place to go. In an hours-long test of its troublesome fueling system, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen were loaded into the Space Launch System.

After a hydrogen leak halted the second attempt of the rocket and the Artemis I mission on September 3rd, NASA was testing a new fueling procedure. NASA said that the new procedures were designed to transition temperature and pressures slowly during tanking to reduce the likelihood of leaks.

The director of NASA's Artemis program was encouraged by the test. She said that the team needed to look through today's data and see if any changes need to be made to the timelines. She doesn't want to get ahead of the data.

The purpose of the test was to make sure the team was prepared for the fueling process on launch day. The equipment was subjected to the same cold temperatures that would be experienced during a fueling. Engineers noticed a leak in the fueling system as the rocket was loaded with liquid hydrogen. The team decided to warm up that part of the system to make sure the quick connect wouldn't get messed up. It didn't stop the leak, but it contained it to a manageable level.

The objectives of the test were met, paving the way for another attempt. It's not clear when that will be. There is a backup launch date of October 2nd penciled in by NASA.

There are a few things that need to be worked out before the rocket can fly.

NASA will be launching in the area that the Space Force is in. If something goes wrong with a rocket, they need a system in place to destroy it. The system was certified for 20 days after the launch. It has been 35 days since the rocket arrived at the launchpad and NASA has only gotten one short extension of the certification. The Space Force and NASA are expected to make a decision soon.