NASA Sends SLS And Orion Megarockets To Launch Pad, Moon Training Begins!

NASA prepares to restart SLS training. (photo: doc. nasa)

JAKARTA - After NASA decided to postpone testing a megarocket to the Moon, namely the Space Launch System (SLS), a few weeks ago, the agency is now preparing to start training again.

In the program or Mission to the Moon dubbed Artemis 1, NASA will launch the SLS rocket by sending an unmanned Orion capsule around the Moon and returning in August.

However, before that happens, SLS and Orion must first complete a series of fuel launch countdown tests and simulations known as rehearsals, these are scheduled to begin at Kennedy Space Center, Florida at Launch Pad 39B on June 19.

It took NASA 12 hours to move the SLS and Orion from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B, which is four miles away.

The move was carried out by NASA at night, possibly aiming to escape Florida's hot and humid daytime weather.

After the transfer, NASA will plan to restart wet dress training on the rocket. The test is designed to mimic the countdown procedure it will undergo when the Artemis 1 mission is up and running later this year.

For your information, Artemis 1's first rehearsal attempt began last April 1 and was supposed to be completed 48 hours later, but the test was discontinued after technicians discovered a hydrogen leak in the SLS mobile launch tower.

NASA ultimately decided to return the rocket to the Vehicle Assembly Building to fix problems that arose in previous testing efforts and give the critical gas nitrogen supplier time to complete the capacity upgrade.

If no issues are encountered, the June 19 refueling test will take approximately 48 hours to complete. This is quoted from Engadget, Monday, June 6.