Artemis II: Engineers review confidence test as NASA eyes March launch window

NASA ran a partial-fill confidence test of the SLS core stage on Feb. 12 to check replaced seals, and engineers will examine the results before scheduling a second wet dress rehearsal as March remains the earliest potential launch window for Artemis II.

NASA engineers are reviewing results from a Feb. 12 confidence test as the agency considers a launch window in early to mid-March for the Artemis II mission. The test partially filled the SLS core stage liquid hydrogen tank to assess newly replaced seals in the propellant fill area. During testing, teams found a flow reduction linked to ground support equipment, and teams gathered data at the same core stage interfaces that showed a leak in the earlier wet dress rehearsal. Engineers plan to purge and inspect the affected line and replace a filter suspected in the reduced flow before deciding next steps. What is known: - The confidence test took place on Feb. 12 and partially filled the SLS core stage liquid hydrogen tank to check recently replaced seals. - Teams reported a reduced liquid hydrogen flow caused by an issue with ground support equipment during the test. - Data were obtained at core stage interfaces at the same point where a leak was seen during the initial wet dress rehearsal. - NASA announced engineers will purge the line, inspect the ground support equipment, and replace a filter suspected of reducing flow. - Engineers will review the test findings before setting a timeline for a second wet dress rehearsal later this month. - March remains the earliest potential launch window after February dates were scrubbed following a spike in the liquid hydrogen leak rate; earliest potential dates cited include March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, and the crew includes Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen of London. Summary: Engineers will examine the confidence test data and the inspected ground support hardware before determining when to conduct a second wet dress rehearsal. The timing of that rehearsal will inform whether the mission can proceed toward the early-March launch opportunities or requires further delay. Undetermined at this time.