To launch in late September, NASA needs the OK from the Space Force in Cape Canaveral, which oversees the rocket's self-destruct system. 'We need to get the tanking test done and then we'll have to look at what is the realism and schedule' to make a launch attempt as early as September 23, Jim Free, who's in charge of NASA's exploration systems development, told The Associated Press. That around-the-moon mission would pave the way for the first human moon landing in 50 years, currently scheduled for 2025. The space agency wants to send the capsule into lunar orbit on a trial run, before putting astronauts on the next flight, in 2024. The Space Launch System rocket - the most powerful ever built by NASA - holds a crew capsule with three test dummies. October is now believed to be the most likely option.Ī series of hydrogen fuel leaks and other problems halted back-to-back launch attempts last week. Otherwise, the rocket will return to the hangar for additional work, delaying liftoff until at least October. If that test goes well - and if the Space Force extends a flight safety waiver - then NASA could take another stab at launching the 322-foot rocket in late September. Managers said Thursday they will conduct another test after the repairs to ensure all hydrogen fuel leaks are plugged. When Artemis 1 is finally launched for the first time, it will be an unmanned flight, but the mission is set to pave the way for American astronauts' return to the moon. It was revealed this week that the federal space agency is currently replacing leaky seals in its moon rocket at the pad, which might set back the spacecraft's tip- off into orbit for an additional six weeks. However, that hold-up doesn't compare to NASA's ongoing issues with its Artemis 1 rocket.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |