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NASA Aces Rocket Fuel Rehearsal for Moon Trip
20 Feb
Summary
- Second wet dress rehearsal for Artemis II mission a success.
- Hydrogen fuel leaks remained below critical safety levels.
- Artemis II crew prepares for quarantine ahead of launch.
NASA achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the second wet dress rehearsal for its Artemis II moon mission. This crucial test involved fueling the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and practicing simulated launch countdowns.
The rehearsal addressed critical concerns regarding hydrogen fuel leaks, which had previously halted a similar test. During this successful attempt, the leak rate remained well below the 16 percent threshold considered safe by NASA, demonstrating improved control over the cryogenic fuel.
Ground crews also practiced sealing the hatches of the Orion spacecraft, which will carry four astronauts on a journey around the moon. The mission is now targeting a launch window in March, with the crew preparing for quarantine.
This successful rehearsal is vital as the SLS rocket is considered an experimental vehicle. The Artemis II mission, NASA's first manned lunar endeavor since the Apollo era, will perform a lunar flyby without landing, testing systems for future missions.
