It is for the moment a missed appointment. The Artemis-1 mission still hasn’t left Cape Canaveral following the various technical problems encountered in recent days. But NASA likely remains optimistic for liftoff before the end of the month.
Delays are piling up for Artemis-1. The rocket that is to send the Orion capsule to the Moon remained grounded after three take-off attempts. The first attempt on August 29 ended in failure due to a temperature problem on one of the engines of the machine. Then, it was a hydrogen leak that came to play spoilsport. NASA therefore chose to carry out repairs while leaving the rocket on its launch pad.
An uncertain schedule
Thus, the engineers intend to carry out tests by installing new seals which should correct the hydrogen leaks mentioned above. The teams will subject the seals to cryogenic temperatures, which will make it possible to assess their resistance in conditions close to those of the launch. NASA plans these assessments for September 17. Then, at least four days will have to separate a successful test from yet another take-off attempt.
So, as of this writing, NASA estimates that the launch of Artemis-1 could be held on September 23 or 27, 2022. Of course, a last minute postponement is once again not not to be excluded. Case to follow!
Source : The Verge
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