By NASA on September 10, 2022
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft on board is seen above the Mobile Launcher at Launch 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: NASA/Sam Lott
After first disconnecting the rocket’s ground and side plates at the interface, called a quick disconnect, for the liquid hydrogen fuel feed line, teams have now replaced the seals on the system’s main rocket stage of space launch (SLS) associated with the leak of liquid hydrogen. detected during the Artemis I launch attempt on September 3.
Both the 8-inch line used to fill and drain liquid hydrogen from the center stage and the 4-inch purge line used to redirect part of the propellant during refueling operations were removed and replaced this week .
Technicians will then reconnect the umbilical plates and perform inspections over the weekend. After that, they will start preparing for a tank show as early as Saturday, September 17th. This demonstration will allow engineers to verify the new seals in cryogenic or supercold conditions expected on launch day, before proceeding with the next launch. attempt
The four RS-25 engines on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket produce more than 2 million pounds of thrust. The four RS-25 engines fired for the last time during the hot-fire test of the Green Run center stage at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi in March 2021. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
During the operation, the teams will practice loading liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the rocket’s central stage and the provisional cryogenic propulsion stage. They will work to reach a stable replenishment state for both thrusters. Crews will confirm that the leak has been repaired. They will also perform the start purge test and a prepressurization test to validate that the ground and flight hardware and software systems can perform the necessary functions required to thermally condition the engines for flight. Teams will review test results and develop strategies for the next launch opportunity after analyzing the data.