The NASA:SLS rocket is scheduled for launch on November 16, but there are several problems to be solved before then
CTOnews.com, Nov. 14 (Xinhua)-- the SLS rocket is still scheduled for launch on November 16, but needs to solve the problem of loose insulation between the rocket and the service mast and the Orion manned spacecraft before the hurricane, NASA said.
Artemis 1, which plans to launch an unmanned Orion capsule into lunar orbit using a space launch system (SLS) rocket, is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida at 1:04 local time on Wednesday. The Task Force once again reaffirmed its confidence in achieving this goal.
"I feel very good about the 16-day attempt," Mike Salafin, mission manager for Artemis at NASA's Washington headquarters, said at a news conference on November 13 local time. "the team is moving forward as a whole."We still have some work to do."
One of the priorities of this work is to carry out a sewn belt in Microsoft Orion called RTV. RTV helps smooth out a small dent in the capsule that may cause unnecessary air circulation and heating during the flight, Salafin said.
Task force members say Hurricane Nicole tore a RTV connection when it hit Florida's space coast on Thursday (November 10).
According to reports, during the launch process, some RTV damaged by the storm may wobble, thus bringing debris risk to the SLS. The team is still studying the nature and severity of the risk. We need to spend a little more time reviewing how we flew before this launch attempt, especially with regard to any remaining RTV and debris transport. "
In addition to the RTV, the team plans to replace the electrical connectors associated with some unstable readings near the bottom of the SLS. This problem can be done on the pad. Salafin said that this is not a big problem, because the rocket's electrical system still has a lot of redundant space.
CTOnews.com learned that RTV's problem could not be solved on the launch pad because Orion was really too high in SLS. If the task force determines that the seam connection needs to be replaced, it may need to be returned to the vehicle assembly building in KSC.
The ▲ Orion capsule and SLS rocket arrived at launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center on November 4, 2022. (photo Source: NASA) "when Tropical Storm Nicole hit, the moon landing of NASA Artemis 1 was postponed again."
