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The helium system on the SLS upper phase— formally called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS)— carried out well throughout both of the Artemis II countdown practice sessions.”Last night, the group was not able to get helium circulation through the car. This happened throughout a regular operation to repressurize the system,” Isaacman composed.
The Space Launch System rocket emerges from the Vehicle Assembly Building to start the rollout to Launch Pad 39B last month.
Credit: Stephen Clark/Ars Technica
The Space Launch System rocket emerges from the Vehicle Assembly Building to start the rollout to Launch Pad 39B last month.
Credit: Stephen Clark/Ars Technica
Another particle, another issue
Helium is utilized to purge the upper phase engine and pressurize its propellant tanks. The rocket remains in a “safe setup,” with a backup system offering purge air to the upper phase, NASA stated in a declaration.
NASA experienced a comparable failure signature throughout preparations for launch of the very first SLS rocket on the Artemis I objective in 2022. On Artemis I, engineers traced the issue to a stopped working check valve on the upper phase that required replacement. NASA authorities are not exactly sure yet whether the helium problem Friday was triggered by a comparable valve failure, an issue with an umbilical user interface in between the rocket and the launch tower, or a fault with a filter, according to Isaacman.
In any case, specialists are not able to reach the issue location with the rocket at the launch pad. Inside the VAB, ground groups will extend work platforms around the rocket to supply physical access to the upper phase and its associated umbilical connections.
NASA stated moving into preparations for rollback now will enable supervisors to possibly maintain the April launch window, “pending the result of information findings, repair work efforts, and how the schedule pertains to fulfillment in the coming days and weeks.”
It’s unclear if NASA will carry out another sustaining test on the SLS rocket after it goes back to Launch Pad 39B, or whether service technicians will do anymore deal with the fragile hydrogen umbilical near the bottom of the rocket accountable for repeating leakages throughout the Artemis I and Artemis II launch projects. Supervisors were pleased with the efficiency of newly-installed seals throughout Thursday’s countdown presentation, however NASA authorities have actually formerly stated vibrations from transferring the rocket to and from the pad might harm the seals.
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