Repair efforts for the Artemis II rocket have commenced at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. Technicians began hands-on work on the rocket within the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) following a helium flow issue that necessitated its removal from the launch pad on February 25. This problem delayed the mission initially set for an early March launch.

Upon arrival at the VAB, engineers began an investigation into the interruption in helium flow to the rocket’s upper stage. This issue was not apparent during preliminary tests but emerged when engineers were restoring the rocket to operational status after a wet dress rehearsal that concluded on February 19. The investigation has focused on two possible causes: a malfunctioning seal on the tubing’s quick disconnect and a problematic check valve situated at the opposite end of the same tubing. The quick disconnect facilitates the rapid attachment or detachment of a hose to the rocket, while the check valve prevents any fluid or gas from leaking backward.

Current Repair Procedures

To address the helium flow problem, teams are installing two sets of internal access platforms within the launch vehicle stage adaptor. They are also tasked with removing thermal blankets covering the area of concern on the rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion system, which is the segment that accommodates connections for several umbilicals, including the tubing essential for helium filling. Helium plays a crucial role in maintaining appropriate environmental conditions for the rocket’s engine and pressurizing the propellant tanks during flight.

In addition to resolving the helium issue, teams will replace the batteries for the SLS upper stage, core stage, and solid rocket boosters. They will also retest the flight termination system and update avionics and control systems. The launch abort system batteries for the Orion spacecraft will be recharged, and engineers may refresh some stowed items within the crew module.

Launch Timeline for Artemis II

If repair efforts and data evaluations proceed as planned, the Artemis II Moon rocket is poised to return to Launch Pad 39B in preparation for its launch in April. The mission will feature a crew including Nasa astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission will follow a free-return trajectory around the Moon.

Artemis II marks the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. This ten-day mission will also carry a payload known as Avatar, which consists of devices simulating individual astronaut organs to study the effects of radiation and microgravity on human health. Moreover, it represents the first crewed flight of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft and acts as a critical precursor to Artemis III, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface by 2027.

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