The long-suffering Space Launch System lunar rocket has been tested and is ready for the Artemis 1 mission

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has announced that a giant Space Launch System rocket could still go into space next week.

Here's What We Know

The launch of the Artemis 1 mission, in which a Space Launch System rocket is to send the Orion spacecraft on a test trip around the moon, had been scheduled for late summer. The launch was rescheduled for Sept. 3, but it ended in failure due to a liquid hydrogen leak. The malfunction was discovered hours before liftoff.

Now NASA reports that the Space Launch System has passed the test and could go into flight early next week. On September 9, specialists were able to replace the seals that connect the rocket to the fuel line and successfully tested the refueling of the tanks. Despite the fact that NASA says the test was successful, it again found a leak of liquid hydrogen. The problem was solved by heating the quick disconnect connection. The leak persisted, but was reduced to an acceptable level.

NASA has not yet officially announced the launch date of the Space Launch System, but the agency is studying the possibility of sending a rocket into space on September 27. The backup window is Oct. 2. The choice of date will be influenced by how quickly the re-certification can be passed. The previous authorization was obtained in mid-August and expired about two weeks ago. NASA wants to extend its validity.

Source: space