NASA’s Huge Rocket Is Ready for Its First Flight to the Moon: Here Are the Dates

Various tests and The launch timeline repeats with the space The launcher SLS (WDR, wet rehearsal) perfect. In a statement, the NASA Satisfied with the turn of events and confident that the giant launch pad, built by Boeing, is ready for its test flight and the Artemis I mission. The Boeing and NASA teams will now begin preparations for the launch of this flight that will launch the Artemis lunar program missions aimed at returning Americans to Earth. The surface of the moon.

However, a small hydrogen leak still prevented NASA and Boeing from conducting exercises until the time T minus 9 seconds, before the four main RS-25 engines ignited. At the far end, the countdown stops at T minus 29 seconds. although Duration The exercises didn’t go as far as program officials wanted, and NASA and Boeing still say the WDR’s reception has made enough to move into final preparations for launch.

No launch in the next few days

SLS (space launch system), whose Many of them are in productionObviously, it won’t take off in the next few days. Friday 1^Verse In July, NASA will return the operator to the assembly building (Vehicle assembly building or VAB) for six to eight weeks as it will be prepared for its first flight. NASA must also perform various checks and repairs, including a hydrogen leak on the bottom of the main stage.

In terms of the work to be done, NASA and Boeing are confident. The launch pad will be ready for launch between August 23 and September 6. so this Window The next opportunity was missed between September 19 and October 4. The launch date will not be known for several weeks. NASA doesn’t have enough insight into how long and what missions will be performed on the SLS.

Artemis’ voyage to the moon: why is it so hard to set launch dates?

Article from Remy Decor Posted on 06/12/2022

NASA, which is preparing a new attempt to replicate the launch chronology with a full SLS launcher (WDR, Wet Dress Rehearsal), is also preparing for the Artemis I mission that will be performed during the inaugural flight of the SLS. Artemis I, who was to prepare the way for the return of the Americans to the moon By 2028, it could be launched during the summer. But on what date? Surprisingly, despite the Moon’s proximity to the Earth, the chances of a launch are not as plentiful as one might think. explanations.

If the second attempt of the launch timeline is repeated with the SLS launcher filled (WDR, wet rehearsal) going well, NASA and Boeing should then speed up preparations for the SLS’ maiden flight during the Artemis I mission on a date yet to be reported. But finding the release date is a bit of a headache because NASA You must take into account several parameters.

coaster around the moon

As a reminder, Artemis I will consist of an unmanned test flight around the Moon that will follow a path similar to that of the mission. Apollo 8, using gravity The moon is gaining speed and propelling itself nearly 70,000 kilometers behind the moon, nearly half a million kilometers from Earth – farther than any human has traveled. on his return trip, Orion will perform a Overview from the moon before returning to earth. The mission will take about 20 days and will end with a dive into the Pacific Ocean without the service unit that will be detached from the vehicle and incinerated in theatmosphere.

The uncertainty about this mission’s launch date is not only explained by the end date of the WDR tests and the green light for SLS use. There are a whole host of other parameters to consider. Indeed, surprisingly, despite its closeness Moon close to earthUnder this mission, the chances of launching are not as many as one might think.

These shooting windows primarily represent the complex orbital mechanics involved in launching on a precise trajectory to the Moon as the Earth rotates on its axis and the Moon revolves around the Earth each month. lunar cycle. But not only.

Four key parameters that will determine the launch date

Unsurprisingly, the launch date must take into account the position of the moon so that the upper phase of SLS launcher can be programmed combustion From lunar injection with enough performance to intercept the “ramp” toorbiting Moon back. In the future, this stage will be replaced by the upper stage of EUS exploration (Exploring the upper stage) is more powerful, which will allow almost daily, or even daily, launch to the Moon, depending on the desired orbit. In addition, the resulting path on a particular day should ensure thatOrion Do not stay in the dark for more than 90 minutes at a time, so that it is Solar Panels can receive and convert light from the sun to electricity and that the spacecraft can maintain the optimum temperature range. Finally, the launch date must allow for a return path that authorizes the entry technique, which is called with the jump. This technique consists of a maneuver during which the spacecraft dives into the upper part of the Earth’s atmosphere and uses this atmosphere, as well as Lifts From the capsule, to simultaneously slow down and exit the atmosphere, then back to the final landing and scattering. This technology allows engineers to precisely locate the Orion machine gun and, in future missions, will help reduce aerodynamic failure loads on aircraft. astronauts within the vessel and to keep the structural loads of the vessel within design limits. Finally, the launch date should allow Orion to be sprayed during the day, to help rescue personnel locate, secure and recover the spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean.

Taking into account all of these parameters and limitations, NASA has identified and set 73 possible launch dates between July 26 and December 23, 2022. This results in a timeline with approximately two weeks of launch capabilities, followed by two weeks of no launch capabilities.

Fire windows for Artemis are considered 1

July 26 – August 10

• 13 Launch Chance
• There is no possibility of launching on August 1, 2 and 6

August 23 – September 6

• 12 launch opportunities
• There is no possibility of a launch on August 30 and 31 as well as 1^Verse September.

September 20 – October 4

• 14 launch opportunities
• There is no possibility of a launch on September 29th.

Oct 17 – Oct 31

• 11 Launch Chances
• There is no possibility of a launch on October 24, 25, 26 and 28

November 12 – November 27

• 12 launch opportunities
• There is no possibility of a release on November 20, 21 and 26

Dec 9 – Dec 23

• 11 Launch Chances
• There is no possibility of a release on December 10, 14, 18 and 23