Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson has confirmed that all cryogenic demonstration test objectives have been met and the teams are now working on critical safety activities and preparations to empty the rocket tanks. Early in the loading process, a hydrogen leak was encountered in a cavity in the aft service mast umbilical, and engineers were able to resolve the issue and continue with the planned activities.
The four primary objectives of the cryogenic demonstration included evaluating repairs to address hydrogen leaks identified during a previous launch attempt, loading propellant into the rocket’s tanks using a new procedure, performing a startup bleed, and conducting a pre-pressure test.
The new cryogenic loading procedures and ground automation were designed to slowly transition temperatures and pressures during the tank loading process as a way to reduce the potential for leaks due to rapid changes in temperature or pressure. After leaks were encountered early in the operation, the team further reduced the loading pressure to address the issue and continued with demonstration testing. The pre-pressure test allowed engineers to calibrate the settings used to adjust the engine during the terminal count and to verify the schedule prior to launch day to reduce schedule risk during the launch day countdown.
The team will evaluate data from the tests, as well as weather and other factors before they confirm readiness to move on to the next launch opportunity. The SLS rocket remains in a safe configuration while the next steps are evaluated.
Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions. It will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate the commitment and capability to extend the human presence to the Moon and beyond. the primary goals of Artemis I are to thoroughly test integrated systems prior to a manned mission, operate the spacecraft in a deep space environment, test Orion’s heat shield and recover the crew module after return, descent and splashdown.
