After two scrapped launches, NASA has regrouped as it works to return to the moon for the first time in decades. However, what does the space agency need to accomplish to do so?
NASA engineers have been working tirelessly to repair the issues discovered on its Artemis 1 rocket during the agency's planned launches at the beginning of the month.
Those repairs have included replacing a number of seals that were leaking on two fuel lines, one of which was creating a hydrogen fuel leak in an 8-inch line leading into the core of the SLS rocket, which stands 32-stories tall, according to NASA officials.
With repairs being completed last Friday, NASA has now said that Artemis 1's third — and hopefully first successful — launch will be held the last week of September. A release from the space agency said it was targeting Sept. 23, but it also said Sept. 27 was possible.
NASA is preparing for fueling tests to ensure there are no other hydrogen leaks, and those tests could be completed as early as Sept. 17, NASA shared. The test will see the rockets filled with 736,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
"This demonstration will allow engineers to check the new seals under cryogenic, or super cold, conditions as expected on launch day and before proceeding to the next launch attempt," NASA said in a blog post giving an update on the rocket.
For either of the dates NASA has mentioned to be possible, the rockets will need to pass the fuel tests planned for later this week.
"Teams will confirm the leak has been repaired and also perform the kick-start bleed test and a pre-pressurization test, which will validate the ground and flight hardware and software systems can perform the necessary functions required to thermally condition the engines for flight," NASA shared.
A kick-start bleed test is when the rocket's four main engines are chilled down to minus 420 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for the fuel. This test was not conducted for the prior two launches.
"Following the test, teams will evaluate the data along with plans for the next launch opportunity," NASA wrote.
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