NASA SPACE SHUTTLE LUNCH UPDATE

The launch team still needs to troubleshoot the engine issue and will keep the rocket in its current configuration to gather data and assess what needs to be done. If a substantial fix is needed the team may require more time to address it and roll the rocket stack back into the Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building, a process that takes 3 1/2 days. The team also saw an issue with the vent valve at the inner tank and the combination of issues convinced the team they needed more time, Sarafin said. So we needed a little extra time to assess that,” Sarafin said. “We need the engine to be at the cryogenically cool temperature such that when it starts, it’s not shocked with all the cold fuel that flows through it. The launch team knew that the bleed test was a risk because they weren’t able to include it in previous wet dress rehearsal tests simulating the launch, and Monday was the first time demonstrating that, Sarafin said.Ĭurrently, the issue doesn’t suggest an engine problem, but rather an issue within the bleed system that is used to cool the engine, he said.

“Engineers are continuing to gather additional data.”

NASA SPACE SHUTTLE LUNCH UPDATE

“Launch controllers were continuing to evaluate why a bleed test to get the RS-25 engines on the bottom of the core stage to the proper temperature range for liftoff was not successful, and ran out of time in the two-hour launch window,” according to an update from NASA. The next window after that is September 5, opening at 5:12 p.m. The next launch window is September 2, opening at 12:48 p.m.

Sarafin confirmed that “Friday is definitely in play” if the team can resolve the issue while the rocket sits on the pad within the next 48 to 72 hours. The next opportunity to send the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft on their journey is September 2, but whether or not another attempt is made that day depends on how testing goes. We’re going to play all nine innings here. “We really need time to look at all the information, all the data. “It’s too early to say what the options are,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager at a NASA press conference. The launch of NASA’s historic Artemis I moon mission has been postponed after the team was unable to work through an issue with one of the rocket’s four engines.

Nasa space shuttle lunch