NASA has set a new launch date for the Artemis moon rocket

After the setbacks in the last launch attempts, things are now looking good again for the NASA moon rocket. Engineers have replaced the leaking fuel seals and are planning a refueling attempt for the coming weekend. The launch attempt for NASA’s new moon mission has now been postponed twice, both times leaking lines were to blame.

Now it looks like the next generation Space Launch System might not be able to launch in September and would lose a whole month. True, NASA successfully completed the critical repair. But now all the tests will start all over again and take a lot of time. According to the now updated schedule, NASA assumes that the next refueling test can be connected on September 17th.

During the test run, engineers will attempt to fuel the SLS with the 736,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen it would need for normal flight.

Waiting long at launch pad 39B

A short time later, on September 19th, the next possible start window opens again. Since Artemis 1 has been on launchpad 39B for some time now, further tests must be carried out to guarantee safety. NASA reports very transparently on the procedure. Next, the Artemis 1 flight cancellation system battery would need to be tested. The flight regulations provide for this, and such a test must be carried out every 20 days.

However, this is only possible in the Vehicle Assembly Building of the Kennedy Space Center. Currently, however, there are no plans to move the moon rocket into the building, as this process takes a lot of time. The Space Force had already granted the agency an extension of the 20-day period. NASA has now asked for another exemption. Only when these hurdles have been cleared can you think about trying again.

On Thursday, NASA announced that it is targeting September 23 for another launch attempt of Artemis 1, with September 27 as an alternate date. Meeting those dates depends on next week’s refueling test and a decision by the US Space Force.