Liquid Hydrogen Leak Ends NASA’s Third Test Attempt at Fueling the Artemis I SLS Moon Rocket

NASA Artemis I at Pad 39B Sunrise Mist

A sunrise view of the Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 11, 2022. Mist rises from a nearby waterway. The SLS and Orion atop the mobile launcher were transported to the pad on crawler-transporter 2 for a prelaunch test called a wet dress rehearsal. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of the SLS and Orion spacecraft. In later missions, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the surface of the Moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a stepping stone on the way to Mars. Credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

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.

Artemis I Wet Dress Rehearsal Prelaunch Test

The Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft are in view atop the mobile launcher on Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 14, 2022, during a prelaunch test called the Wet Dress Rehearsal. Artemis I will be the first integrated test of the SLS and Orion spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

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.

2 Comments on "Liquid Hydrogen Leak Ends NASA’s Third Test Attempt at Fueling the Artemis I SLS Moon Rocket"

  1. Steve Nordquist | April 14, 2022 at 11:00 pm | Reply

    Photos of faulty hydrogen connection! C’mon, at least describe something other than the low voltage vacuum detector.

  2. Maybe it’s time NASA left the rocket science to Elon … hey NASA, this is for you https://ifunny.co/picture/6Rq90pdH8

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