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Epic Setback For NASA, Fuel Leakages Force Artemis Moon Rocket Launch To Be Delayed

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by

Khushal
in

The mega Moon rocket will be removed from the launchpad days after a fuel leak hindered Nasa’s efforts to conduct tests to validate the Space Launch System.The rocket and spacecraft will be returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building to remove a faulty upper stage check valve and a slight leak on the rear service mast umbilical.

“During that time, the agency will evaluate timetables and options for demonstrating propellant loading operations prior to launch,” Nasa stated in a statement.

During the rehearsals, the Artemis crew was hard at work activating the launch facilities and formally starting the countdown sequence. It included practising the Artemis rocket’s synergy between the rocket, ground control, and mission control.

While the experiments were supposed to be completed within 48 hours of starting and just days after rocket was parked on the launch pad, the teams ran into a few snags. These difficulties manifested themselves in the form of a fuel problem and a major faulty valve.

The test was originally delayed when the Artemis team discovered a helium check valve that was not working properly. The check valve opens liquid or gas to move in one direction while trying to prevent back flow. The helium check valve is about 3 inches long and restricts helium from escaping from the rocket.

Later, the crew discovered a liquid hydrogen (LH2) leak on the rocket’s rear service mast umbilical. The umbilical makes a connection to the rocket’s core stage and is situated at the foot of the mobile launch system.

Professionals discovered the leak when they began packing liquid hydrogen. They were, however, unable to complete the job. The launch crew had attempted to load some super-cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen into the crucial stage of the 30-story rocket. However, the amount was far short of the total.