Teams concluded today’s wet dress rehearsal test at approximately 5:10 p.m. EDT after observing a liquid hydrogen (LH2) leak on the tail service mast umbilical, which is located at the base of the mobile launcher and connects to the rocket’s core stage. The leak was discovered during liquid hydrogen loading operations and prevented the team from completing the test.
Before ending the test, teams also met test objectives for the interim cryogenic propulsion stage by chilling down the lines used to load propellant into the upper stage. They did not flow any propellant to the stage because of an issue with a helium check valve identified several days ago.
When teams paused propellant loading, the rocket’s core stage liquid oxygen tank was about 49% filled and the liquid hydrogen tank had been loaded to about 5% capacity prior to the hydrogen leak.
Teams are now working to drain propellant from the rocket. They will inspect the umbilical connection, review data, and establish a go-forward plan to address the hydrogen leak.
NASA plans to host a media teleconference on April 15 to provide updates on troubleshooting and the next steps for the wet dress rehearsal test.
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2 Comments
Photos of faulty hydrogen connection! C’mon, at least describe something other than the low voltage vacuum detector.
Maybe it’s time NASA left the rocket science to Elon … hey NASA, this is for you https://ifunny.co/picture/6Rq90pdH8