Artemis I: NASA SLS launch postponed at least to late September, possibly October

After the first failed attempt to throw for the first time NASA SLS for the Artemis I mission on 29 August, there seems to be good prospects for the second attempt in early September. After postponing the launch from September 2 to 3, preparations were underway when the agency once again had to shut down operations to resolve an issue.

The good news (at least partially) this time is that it’s not il Space Launch System rocket or the Orion capsule to have caused the definitive blocking of the launch attempt but rather a refueling structure (according to what emerged from the first investigations into the incident). However, this means postponing the launch of Artemis I at least until the end of September or even the end of October. Bill Nelson (NASA administrator), however, confirmed that, despite the postponement, the agency intends to launch the Artemis II mission in 2024 while themoon landing with Artemis III it is still expected in 2025. However, these are provisional estimates that could be revised in the future (and which almost certainly will be).

NASA SLS launch for Artemis I postponed for a few weeks

During the conference that was held yesterday evening, after the announcement of the postponement of the launch by the space agency, the first information on what happened was given. The executives present however stated that the analyzes are still in progress and therefore more details will be released shortly. The situation is therefore evolving both as regards the examination of the problems and the timing of launch from Artemis I.

As part of the problems they have plagued NASA SLS seem to always concern the same component, in reality they are different parts. In the last attempt to launch yesterday evening (Italian time) it was a loss of liquid hydrogen by a quick release fitting that feeds the central stage. Despite the attempts of the ground crews (from repositioning the fitting to using helium under pressure after closing a valve or heating and cooling the section), it was not possible to re-seal the fitting, thus leading to the premature end of operations.

Considering the flammability risk of hydrogen, the launch directors concluded that it was unsafe to continue (unlike the leak detected in the last attempt). What caused the loss? A “prime suspect” it was a rise in pressure caused by possible human error during operations. Michael Sarafin (mission manager), however, added that it is too early to be sure that that was actually the cause.

View what the problem is “serious” it will not be possible to launch on Monday, when the new launch window for NASA SLS And Artemis I. We will thus move on to two new launch periods ranging from 20 September to 4 October and from 17 October to 31 October. Much will depend on whether the leak from the fitting will be repairable at the pad or whether the rocket needs to be returned to the VAB. But the situation remains complicated and with more options. It must also be considered that on October 3 the Crew-5 mission will be launched towards the ISS. This will take priority over NASA SLS.

By managing the operations at the pad it will be possible to carry out the operations in less time and perform a cryo-test but the flight termination system (FTS or flight termination system) is not certified to arrive until the end of September due to the batteries that must be verified (this can only be done at the VAB), or have Space Force certification that the system is still valid). Leaving the rocket outdoors also exposes it to the Florida climate which is not among the best at this time.

Return NASA SLS the VAB would allow you to act on the FTS, repair the rocket from bad weather and have access to the Cubesat area installed in the upper adapter (power is supplied by batteries that could run out). At the VAB, however, a cryo-test could not be carried out but only tests at room temperature not simulating so correctly what would happen at the time of launch. A first indiscretion would indicate that returning to the VAB will be the chosen option. The launch could then be scheduled from October 17 (with or without a Wet Dress Reharsal).

Liquid hydrogen has temperatures of -253 ° C and its molecule is particularly difficult to manage. This is one of the reasons why, for example, SpaceX’s Starship employs liquid methane which is easier to manage. Hydrogen, however, manages to provide superior performance and also the design of NASA SLS involved the use of the RS-25 engines of the Space Shuttle orbiter, which work precisely with this propellant.

Finally, there remains the unknown of boosters with solid state propellant which are already in the sub-optimal period of use and which work better with summer rather than autumn temperatures. The situation is certainly complex, as is launching a rocket nearly 100 meters to the moon. Further updates are expected in the middle of this week.

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