Artemis: Nasa's Moon rocket completes fuelling test

Image source, Reuters

The giant moon rocket should be ready for its maiden flight after completing a fueling test.

The Space Launch System vehicle could not be filled with liquid hydrogen and oxygen due to leaks.

Engineers know how to fix leaks during the tanking process.

The rocket is expected to launch next week.

A number of factors will have to be considered before a decision is made.

The flight director doesn't want to get ahead of the data.

I want the team to have the chance to look at it, to see if there are any changes that need to be made, or if we're doing a good job.

At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a 100m tall vehicle stands on a launch pad.

If it does get a go for launch next week, it will attempt to send a capsule around the Moon, ending in a splashdown in the ocean.

Ahead of the astronauts climbing aboard SLS-Orion, it would be a demonstration.

The aim of the programme is to return humans to the moon after more than 50 years.

Image source, NASA

The SLS rocket was supposed to be launched on August 29th and September 3rd. Hydrogen escaping from feed lines was one of the problems.

The purpose of the exercise was to replace damaged seals.

The controllers were able to put in measures to keep the losses within acceptable bounds.

controllers were able to get the core stage and upper stage of the rocket into their flight ready configuration. The four big engines at the base of the rocket have to be taken down to a very low operating temperature in order to be prepared.

There is an unrelated matter to do with batteries in the rocket's flight terminated system that could affect whether or not the launch can go ahead.

The vehicle would be destroyed if it deviated off course during the climb.

For a period of time, the batteries were certified. The batteries are in good shape and are being worked on to extend the certification.

The launch will be delayed by several weeks if it can't be done.

Even if all the technical hurdles can be worked out, Nasa will still need to watch the weather. Depending on how the storm systems evolve over the next week, they could be problematic.