––
–
A malfunctioning engine computer means the inaugural launch of NASA’s Space Launch System, which is slated to be the world’s most powerful rocket, will not happen in February 2022 as planned.
that fully stacked The SLS, with the 74,000 pound (33.5 metric ton) Orion spacecraft mounted on board, is currently undergoing integrated testing within the vehicle assembly building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The test is carried out pending an exercise, which has not yet been scheduled, in which propellant will be added to the rocket’s fuel tanks. A successful exercise in turn will set the stage for the actual launch – the long-awaited Artemis 1 unmanned mission to the moon and back.
In fact, NASA plans to use 332-fooheight (101 meters) for an upcoming lunar mission, but recent testing errors mean we’ll have to wait a little longer – but hopefully not much longer – to finally see this giant soar in the skies over Florida. Once completed, the SLS will be the most powerful rocket in the world, although that crown could be quickly stolen by SpaceX’s Starship, which will also launch for the first time next year.
––
–
NASA, which performs integrated tests, confirms this The Orion, main stage, and two booster rockets communicated well with ground systems. During a recent power test from the primary stage, NASA engineers discovered a problem with the RS-25 engine flight control module. Here’s how NASA describes the problem:
The flight controller acts as the “brain” of each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS missile to provide precise engine control as well as internal health diagnostics. Each console is equipped with two channels so there is a backup, in case there is a problem with one of the channels during launch or climb. In the last test, the B-channel of the fourth engine control unit failed to run consistently.
G/O Media may get commission
––
Up to 43% Off
Best Buy TV Sale
–
–
Buy every TV
If you have just kept missing great TV deals this season and you’ve been kicking yourself, here’s one last chance to get in on some great discounts on some of the best TVs going.
–
–
–
–
The Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines are borrowed from the Space Shuttle program, but they’ve been modified to provide additional power. And where the Space Shuttle featured three of these engines, the SLS core stage has four. That the engine flight controller is misbehaving is surprising, given that it functioned normally during preliminary integrated testing and during the Hot full duration shoot The test takes place in March 2021, according to NASA.
After finding the problem, the engineers ran further checks and troubleshooting, but ultimately decided to swap the problematic ECU. NASA says the rocket has “returned to full functionality,” but its engineers will continue to investigate the root cause of the problem. The space agency is now reviewing launch opportunities in March and April. If the timeline revealed by Artemis 1 mission manager Mike Sarafin in October persists, the launch window will be in the middle of March and middleApril.
There’s a lot of work remaining, including more communication testing, reverse sequence testing, and a final check of SLS and Orion functionality. The wet dress practice will be a major milestone, after which time NASA will provide an exact launch date.
again: ‘Communication issue’ delays long-awaited launch of Webb Telescope.
–
