NASA has been preparing for a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I rocket, but have hit several issues causing delays, the most recent being a faulty helium gas check valve. They have now announced that a modified wet dress rehearsal will start with a call to stations on April 12. This rehearsal proceeds through as an actual launch activity that scrubs at the T-10 second point. The modified test will focus on filling the core stage with cryogenic propellant, but with minimal propellant operations on the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS). Following the test, the rocket will be returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building to replace the helium check valve as well as to assess the launch procedures.
NASA is streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft on the Kennedy Newsroom YouTube channel.
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Tuesday April 12 2022, @05:28PM
Gee, given the amount of time, money and delays associated with SLS, I can't imagine that anything could mess up and result in a large explosion. Anything going wrong seems highly unlikely given Boeing's involvement as the prime contractor.
<no-sarcasm>
As a taxpayer, I think the best thing that could happen to SLS would be a spectacular explosion on the launch pad, during a test, that takes all of the launch infrastructure with it. I don't say that out of spite. I say that as a taxpayer. It would be the most fiscally wise thing that could happen.
</no-sarcasm>
What doesn't kill me makes me weaker for next time.