Since concluding a wet dress rehearsal Feb. 3 ahead of Artemis II, technicians have replaced two seals in an area where operators saw higher than allowable hydrogen gas concentrations during the test. Engineers are analyzing the removed seals and developing plans to address all issues ahead of the next rehearsal.
Once the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s tanks were drained of cryogenic propellant following the previous test, technicians immediately began work to access the tail service mast umbilical on the mobile launcher and detach rocket and ground-side interface plates to inspect the area of the elevated gas levels, and replace seals around two fueling lines.
Two tail service masts, each about three stories tall, provide cryogenic propellant lines and electrical cable connections to the SLS core stage. The tail service masts tilt back before launch and include “quick disconnects,” mechanisms that instantaneously disconnect at liftoff to ensure a safe and reliable retraction at launch.
While teams continue evaluating the cause of the leak, reconnecting the interfaces is expected to be complete on Monday, Feb. 9. Testing is planned to occur at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to evaluate additional dynamics of the plates. Engineers are reviewing options to test the repair work prior to the next wet dress rehearsal to ensure the seals are performing as expected.
NASA also will update several operations for the next wet dress rehearsal to focus on fueling activities. The Orion crew module hatch will be closed pri …