NASA is set to return its colossal moon rocket to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday night, gearing up for the much-anticipated lunar journey with four astronauts aboard.
The impressive 322-foot-tall Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the Orion capsule, is on track for a launch that could initiate a 10-day mission as early as April 1. Before this, the rocket and spacecraft must conduct a meticulous four-mile trek from the hangar to the launch pad.
This journey is expected to commence at 8:00 PM ET and wrap up approximately 12 hours later.
This marks the second rollout for the 11-million-pound rocket. Initially rolled out to the launch pad in mid-January, it returned to the vehicle assembly building for necessary repairs after engineers identified a helium flow blockage a few weeks ago.
Utilizing a mobile platform known as a crawler transporter, the rocket will be moved back to its launch pad, progressing at a steady pace of about 1 mile per hour.
The upcoming mission, titled Artemis II, will mark the first time humans are launched aboard NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. This mission follows the 2022 unmanned Artemis I mission, which orbited the moon. The crew, including NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, could achieve unprecedented distances from Earth as they navigate around the moon.
NASA successfully resolved the helium flow issue while the rocket was in the hangar by replacing a crucial seal in the helium supply line. Engineers also changed batteries on both the rocket and Orion spacecraft, conducting rigorous tests to ensure readiness.
The helium issue came to light during extensive refueling tests and a launch-day rehearsal known as a wet dress rehearsal. This was the second rehearsal for the SLS, as the first had to be halted due to a hydrogen leak detected at the rocket’s rear end.
Last week, NASA officials conducted a comprehensive two-day Flight Readiness Review, bringing together mission managers, four astronauts, and key representatives to evaluate the upcoming flight, assess risks, and outline the necessary steps ahead. The agency confirmed its decision in April to proceed with launch preparations, officially certifying the rocket and spacecraft for their historic mission.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
