Since the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 2, workers have extended access platforms surrounding the rocket and spacecraft for repairs and final procedures before returning to Launch Pad 39B for the launch of the Artemis I mission.
When will that be?
The launch of the unmanned Artemis I mission is scheduled for August, if all goes as it should. Technicians are hard at work inspecting, testing, and repairing equipment associated with a hydrogen leak during the wet suit trial run that ended June 20. They are currently replacing two seals on the quick disconnect hardware.
The last remaining engineering test that is part of the test operations integrated into the VAB has also been carried out.
The flight unit will be tested this week. It includes newly calibrated inertial navigation sensors and updated software to guide and navigate the upper stage during flight. Technicians have activated various batteries for rocket elements , including solid rocket boosters and ICPS. The batteries in the core stage will be activated in the next few weeks and then all the batteries will be installed. The batteries provide power to the rocket elements during the final part of the countdown on launch day and during ascent.
The payload will also be installed over the next few weeks . The countdown begins for NASA’s Artemis mission that seeks to set foot on the Moon again, establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and orbit, and gradually lay the foundations for a lunar economy.
Reference: NASA
