NASA's Artemis-1 mission has just finished its wet dress rehearsal, which is the agency's fourth attempt to complete an important test. It has achieved approximately 90 percent of its goals, yet there is still no set date for the rocket's first flight.
The wet dress rehearsal involves loading of liquid propellant and this is the final stage to cross off the checklist before the rocket launches in space. There will be no crew on the flight, but should it be successful, it will likely be followed by a crew by 2026.
The Test
The teams at the Kennedy Space Center started their latest effort to complete the test on Saturday. Their objectives included loading propellant into the ranks, conduct a launch countdown, and simulate contingency scenarios. After that, they will need to drain the tanks.
This is their fourth attempt following three failed ones that started in March this year that experienced multiple glitches. The previous attempts also failed to fuel up the rocket.
Fortunately on Monday, the teams were able got load up the tanks successfully. However, it didn't go smoothly because they still met a roadblock due to a new hydrogen leak issue that they were unable to resolve at the time.
Also Read: NASA Artemis I: Wet Dress Rehearsal to Happen this Weekend, SLS Fueling and Launch Sequence
Is Another Rehearsal Coming Soon?
NASA is still thinking about another rehearsal, but it is also a possibility for it to go straight top launch. The agency said that an August window for the rocket was possible.
The agency also emphasized that these delays when it comes to testing of new systems were common during the Apollo and Space Shuttle era. They said that these delays are not a major concern.
The Artemis Missions
The Artemis-1 is set to launch at the far side of the moon around summer on a test flight, which is, as mentioned, unscrewed. It will be followed by a crewed test on the Artemis-2 that will fly around the moon but will not land. After that, Artemis-3 will see the first woman and first person of color to touch down on the lunar south pole.
These missions strongly reflect the agency's goal to make a permanent presence on the moon. It will also serve as their proving ground for their technologies that will be useful and necessary for a Mars mission in the 2030s.
While NASA is leading this lunar initiative, they have received a lot of help from the space industry, scientific organizations, and even the Congress. They have also received support from the private sector and are working with a number of commercial companies.
This is because NASA is unlikely to launch its rocket solely on its budget alone. This is especially now that the agency is planning on building a lunar gateway that will act both as a gateway to the moon and a resource for space exploration to Mars.
At the end of the day, it is a revolutionary move to help companies get rid of the burden of handling used batteries. More importantly, it also helps the environment by keeping used batteries off landfills.
Related Article: NASA Artemis I Mission To Send Your Name To the Moon! How To Include Yours in the Space Agency's Flash Drive?
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Written by April Fowell
