NASA concluded a wet dress rehearsal for the agency’s Artemis II test flight early Tuesday morning, successfully loading cryogenic propellant into the SLS (Space Launch System) tanks, sending a team out to the launch pad to closeout Orion, and safely draining the rocket. The wet dress rehearsal was a prelaunch test to fuel the rocket, designed to […]
The Artemis II wet dress rehearsal countdown was terminated at the T-5:15 minute mark due to a liquid hydrogen leak at the interface of the tail service mast umbilical, which had experienced high concentrations of liquid hydrogen earlier in the countdown, as well. The launch control team is working to ensure the SLS (Space Launch […]
NASA teams officially entered the final 10 minutes of today’s Artemis II wet dress rehearsal countdown known as terminal count after Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA’s Artemis launch director, gave the “go” to proceed. During terminal count, automated systems take control of countdown operations, final checks of flight computers, engine bleed systems, and ground support equipment occur, and the rocket […]
NASA’s Artemis II closeout crew has completed its critical tasks and departed NASA Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39B during the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal. The departure of the closeout crew marks the transition to the final countdown phase, ensuring the launch pad is clear and safe for simulated liftoff procedures. Although the Artemis II astronauts did not […]
NASA teams completed closing the launch abort system hatch during the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal, simulating final launch day procedures. The launch abort system hatch provides access to the Orion crew module through the outer aeroshell of the launch abort system and must be securely sealed to ensure crew safety during ascent. Closing the launch abort […]
The Artemis II wet dress rehearsal entered the T-10 minute hold in the simulated countdown at 8:50 p.m. EST. Though it had been counting down to the opening of a simulated launch window at 9 p.m. EST Monday, Feb. 2, the test will proceed as teams continue to work through countdown milestones. The closeout crew […]
As part of the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal, NASA teams are performing final preparations and closure of the Orion crew module hatch inside the White Room at Launch Pad 39B. This step simulates launch day procedures, ensuring the spacecraft is sealed and ready for crew to enter Orion for launch. The Artemis II astronauts are […]
As part of the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal, NASA’s Artemis II closeout crew and pad rescue team are en route to Launch Pad 39B. The closeout crew will head to the White Room inside the crew access arm on the mobile launcher and are responsible for securing the Orion spacecraft and ensuring all access […]
NASA teams have transitioned all cryogenic tanks on the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket to replenish mode during the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal. This includes both liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks for the core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Engineers continue to monitor liquid hydrogen concentration levels in the tail service mast umbilical, where a leak […]
Following the vent and relief test on the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) liquid hydrogen tank, NASA teams have entered the topping phase of fueling liquid hydrogen. The vent and relief test verifies that the vent and relief valves operate correctly to maintain safe pressure levels inside the upper stage liquid hydrogen tank, while topping ensures the upper […]
