Il razzo Space Launch System (SLS) della NASA con la navicella Orion a bordo è visto su una piattaforma di lancio mobile al Launch Complex 39B mentre il team di lancio di Artemis I si prepara per il suo prossimo tentativo di prove su abiti bagnati, proprio come un razzo SpaceX Falcon 9 con la navicella spaziale Crew ha visto il Dragone della compagnia a bordo della rampa di lancio al Launch Complex 39A mentre i preparativi per la missione Axiom 1 (Ax-1) continuano, mercoledì 6 aprile 2022, al Kennedy Space Center della NASA in Florida. La missione Ax-1 è la prima missione di astronauti privati sulla Stazione Spaziale Internazionale. I membri dell’equipaggio dell’Ax-1, il comandante Michael Lopez-Alegria della Spagna e degli Stati Uniti, il pilota Larry Connor degli Stati Uniti, gli specialisti di missione Eitan Stipe di Israele e Mark Bathy del Canada sono stati lanciati l’8 aprile dal Launch Complex 39A al Kennedy Space Center. Credito: NASA/Joel Kosky
interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) with the ground systems at Kennedy. Due to the changes in loading procedures required for the modified test, wet dress rehearsal testing is slated to resume with call to stations on Tuesday, April 12 and tanking on Thursday, April 14. Wet dress rehearsal is an opportunity to refine the countdown procedures and validate critical models and software interfaces. The modified test will enable engineers to achieve the test objectives critical to launch success.
Engineers have identified a helium check valve that is not functioning as expected, requiring these changes to ensure safety of the flight hardware. Helium is used for several different operations, including purging the engine, or clearing the lines, prior to loading propellants during tanking, as well as draining propellant. A check valve is a type of valve that allows liquid or gas to flow in a particular direction and prevents backflow. The helium check valve is about three inches long and prevents the helium from flowing back out of the rocket.
Following the modified test, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will return to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where engineers will evaluate the valve and replace if needed. Teams are confident in the ability to replace the valve once back in the VAB.
NASA will host a teleconference to discuss details on Monday, April 11. Check back at this blog for an update on the countdown timeline prior to the modified wet dress rehearsal testing for the Artemis I mission. NASA is streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube channel.
