Quick Read
- NASA is preparing the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission at Kennedy Space Center.
- A full ‘wet dress rehearsal,’ including fuel loading and countdown simulation, is scheduled to begin as early as January 31.
- Teams have completed servicing SLS boosters and performed pyrotechnic work on Orion’s launch abort system.
- Adjustments were made to the emergency egress system, and Orion’s potable water system is undergoing re-testing.
- Four astronauts for Artemis II entered quarantine on January 23 in Houston, ahead of the first crewed lunar mission.
CAPE CANAVERAL (Azat TV) – NASA is conducting critical pre-launch tests for the Artemis II mission at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, signaling a significant stride toward its historic crewed journey around the Moon. These preparations include a full ‘wet dress rehearsal’ for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, scheduled to commence as early as Saturday, January 31, as teams work toward an early February launch window.
Engineers and technicians at the Florida facility are maintaining a rigorous schedule, in some cases even ahead of projected timelines, as they finalize activities on the launch pad. The upcoming wet dress rehearsal is a pivotal simulation, designed to mirror a full prelaunch sequence without astronauts onboard. This comprehensive test involves loading the SLS rocket with over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant, executing a precise launch countdown, and practicing the safe unloading of fuel.
Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Details
The wet dress rehearsal is structured to test the launch team’s capabilities under various scenarios. During several ‘runs,’ teams will practice pausing, resuming, and recycling the countdown, particularly within the critical final 10 minutes, known as the terminal countdown phase. The simulation is slated to culminate in a simulated launch at 9:00 p.m. EST, with operations potentially extending until 1:00 a.m. if necessary to complete all objectives.
The initial phase of the rehearsal begins approximately 49 hours prior to the simulated launch, with personnel taking their stations and counting down to T-minus 1 minute 30 seconds, followed by a planned three-minute hold. The countdown then resumes, proceeding to T-minus 33 seconds, at which point the rocket’s automatic launch sequencer would typically take control. A second run of the rehearsal will see the countdown recycled back to T-minus 10 minutes, paused again, and then resumed down to T-minus 30 seconds.
NASA officials have indicated that should any significant issues emerge during this extensive rehearsal, the SLS and Orion stack may be temporarily rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for additional work before the launch can proceed.
Recent Milestones and Operational Adjustments
In the days leading up to the wet dress rehearsal, teams at Kennedy Space Center have successfully completed several key preparatory tasks. Over the past weekend, technicians serviced the SLS boosters, including the precise loading of hydrazine into their aft skirts. Preparation of the Orion spacecraft for flight is also progressing, with equipment being stowed inside the capsule and planned pyrotechnic work on the launch abort system being executed. Furthermore, checkouts of the core stage’s four RS-25 engines have been completed, and a composite overwrapped pressure vessel within Orion’s propulsion system has been successfully pressurized.
Amid cold weather conditions sweeping across the country, with Florida experiencing below-normal temperatures, technicians have implemented extra measures to ensure environmental control systems maintain optimal conditions for both the Orion spacecraft and critical SLS hardware. This proactive approach aims to safeguard sensitive components from adverse weather impacts.
Operational adjustments have also been made following evaluations of various systems. During a review of the emergency egress system, it was noted that the baskets designed to transport crew and pad personnel from the mobile launcher stopped short of their intended terminus within the pad perimeter. Technicians have since calibrated the brakes to ensure these crucial safety mechanisms can descend fully and reliably.
Additionally, teams are addressing a concern regarding Orion’s potable water system. Initial tests revealed higher than expected levels of total organic carbon. In the coming days, additional water samples will be collected and analyzed to ensure the crew’s drinking water meets all safety standards for the mission.
Artemis II: Paving the Way for Lunar Return
The Artemis II mission represents the first crewed flight of NASA’s Artemis program, following the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission. Four astronauts are currently in quarantine in Houston, which they entered on January 23, as they prepare for this landmark journey. Their mission will not only test the Orion spacecraft’s capabilities with human occupants but also rigorously evaluate new life support and communications systems during an ambitious journey around the Moon. This mission is a critical precursor to Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in over half a century.
The successful completion of the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal is paramount, as it serves as the final comprehensive systems check before a crewed launch, validating both hardware readiness and operational procedures essential for the ambitious goal of sustained lunar presence.