NASA has again delayed the final test of its next-generation space launch system. The agency has spent much of the weekend conducting a “dress rehearsal” of its upcoming Artemis 1 mission to the moon. The test was designed to replicate the mission’s countdown procedure and was proceeding largely according to plan until NASA encountered a problem with the SLS mobile launch pad.
The problem prevented the US space agency from safely loading the rocket with liquid propellant, which is why NASA has postponed the most critical of the tests with the intention of fix the problem first. According to Engadget, the reason they would modify the test is because engineers noticed a problem with a helium check valve designed to prevent the gas escapes from the SLS. The modified test will see NASA focus primarily on fueling the rocket’s core stage, with “minimal propulsion operations” from its upper stage.
“Due to changes in loading procedures required for the modified test, wet test testing is scheduled to resume with the call to the stations on Tuesday, April 12 and the filling of tanks on Thursday, April 14,” NASA said.