Pre-Pressurization Test Complete
Launch controllers have completed the pre-pressurization test, obtaining pressure and temperature level readings as desired. Controllers are continuing with the procedures for today’s test, gathering additional data.
ICPS Liquid Hydrogen in Replenish, Teams Moving Ahead with Pre-Press Test
Launch controllers have reached the replenish phase of liquid hydrogen loading operations for the interim cryogenic propulsion stage of the Space Launch System rocket and are continuing operations to load liquid oxygen into the upper stage. Teams are moving into operations to conduct a pre-pressurization test, in which engineers will bring the core stage liquid [...]
Liquid Hydrogen in Replenish, Teams Move Ahead with ICPS Loading
The Space Launch System’s core stage liquid hydrogen tank is now full and is being replenished as some of the supercold propellant boils off. Since resuming liquid hydrogen fast fill operations, the rate of the hydrogen leak at the tail service mast umbilical quick disconnect has remained within allowable rates. The core stage liquid [...]
Artemis Cryogenic Test: Core Stage LH2 Underway; LOX Fill and Engine Bleed Test Complete
Fast fill continues for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s core stage liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank at a reduced pressure as teams monitor the area where the hydrogen leak was detected. Fast fill is complete for the core stage liquid oxygen (LOX) tank and engineers have completed the engine bleed test, which flows supercold [...]
Liquid Hydrogen Filling Operations Resume
Teams have resumed the flow of liquid hydrogen into the core stage after warming up the quick disconnect, or interface where the fuel feed line connects to the rocket, to reseat the connection as part of their troubleshooting plan to fast fill the propellant.
Hydrogen Leak Detected During Slow Fill Operations
Launch controllers have detected a hydrogen leak in a cavity in the tail service mast umbilical and have stopped flowing the propellant to the rocket while they troubleshoot the issue. Engineers will warm up the quick disconnect, or interface where the fuel feed line connects to the rocket, to attempt to reseat it. [...]
NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio, Crewmates Arrive Safely at Space Station
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and two cosmonauts arrived at the International Space Station Wednesday, bringing its number of residents to 10 for the coming week.
Artemis Cryogenic Test: Core Stage LOX Fast Fill Underway, Proceeding Toward LH2 Slow Fill
Fast fill is underway for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s core stage liquid oxygen (LOX) tank. Next, teams will transition from slow fill to fast fill for the liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank and initiate, or “kick start,” the engine bleed, which will begin flowing supercold LH2 to start cooling the four RS-25 engines [...]
Core Stage Liquid Oxygen Chilldown Complete, Slow Fill Underway
After chilling the lines for liquid oxygen (LOX), teams have begun the slow fill phase to load LOX into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s core stage and have started chilling down the transfer line for the liquid hydrogen (LH2). Once LOX slow fill is complete, teams will transition to fast fill operations. Once [...]
Launch Director Gives “Go” to Begin Cryogenic Operations, NASA TV Coverage Underway
Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson has given the “go” to officially begin loading propellants into the Space Launch System rocket as part of today’s Artemis I cryogenic demonstration test. Weather remains favorable for the test. Tanking operations will begin with chilldown of the core stage liquid oxygen transfer line. NASA TV coverage is underway. [...]