NASA Scheduled The Launch Of Artemis II Lunar Mission For April 1
Credit: NASA
A helium transfer problem in the SLS rocket’s intermediate stage in the second half of February forced NASA to remove not only the SLS but also the associated Orion spacecraft from the launch pad. According to new information, the launch of the second phase of the Artemis lunar mission is now scheduled by the American agency for April 1st.
The helium pumping issue was reportedly caused by a defective seal in a quick-connect fitting. After repairing the fitting, the NASA team conducted a test helium flow at a reduced rate to ensure the defect was corrected. Engineers needed to ensure the problem would not recur. While awaiting transfer to the launch pad, the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will undergo preventative replacement or charging of the batteries responsible for various critical functions. Additionally, additional checks of onboard systems will be conducted. An additional “wet” dress rehearsal for the launch may take place in March. If the launch on April 1 does not occur, the next likely dates are between April 3rd and 6th.
NASA previously announced that it had canceled the planned lunar landing of astronauts as part of the Artemis III mission.
In February, NASA announced that the SLS rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft would be returned to the assembly facility.
The Orion spacecraft will carry NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on board the Artemis II mission. The Orion spacecraft, which carries the rocket’s payload, is scheduled to launch the crew on a 10-day deep-space journey, including a flyby of the Moon.
