Artemis mission: Nasa scrubs key test for mega Moon rocket due to faulty fans

Days after the mega-Moon rocket was docked on the launch pad, Nasa will commence the critical test phase for the space Launch System that will return humans to the Moon. The Wet Dress Rehearsal will commence on Monday after it was initially stopped on Sunday due to the loss of ability to pressurize the mobile launcher using two fans. The American space agency is conducting key tests on the world's most powerful rocket ever built to ensure that the system is fit to take humans on a voyage to the Moon. In spite of the problem, the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage, interim cryogenic propulsion stage, and Orion spacecraft remained powered up overnight, while the boosters were powered down. Meteorologists with the US Space Force Space Launch Delta 45 currently predict favorable weather conditions for tanking operations.

WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR?

Earlier, Nasa had given the green signal to tank up the Space Launch System, which meant it could be loaded with the propellant that will power its rise after liftoff. Once propellant loading operations begin, liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) will flow into the rocket’s core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage tanks, and be topped off and replenished as some of the cryogenic propellants boils off. However, tanking was scrubbed at the last minute due to a loss of ability to pressurize the mobile launcher. Nasa said that the fans are needed to provide positive pressure to the enclosed areas within the mobile launcher and keep out hazardous gases. "Without this capability, technicians were unable to safely proceed with remotely loading the propellants into the rocket’s core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage," Nasa said in a blog update. The launch control team will now meet again and review the status of the operations before deciding if they will proceed with propellant loading. Mike Sarafin, Artemis I mission manager, and Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director, in a teleconference indicated that teams are continuing to troubleshoot the issue with the fans and aim to have a resolution later tonight. The Wet Dress rehearsals is the final test that will mark the safety of the system and designate if the SLS is fit for launch or not. The approximately two-day test will demonstrate the team’s ability to load cryogenic, or super-cold, propellants into the rocket, conduct a launch countdown, and practice safely removing propellants at the launch pad.