Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Clears ‘Go’ for Fueling

NASA has recently moved forward with the Artemis II mission by successfully conducting a wet dress rehearsal. This key milestone allows teams to prepare for the actual launch by simulating the fueling process.

Wet Dress Rehearsal Details

The critical operations began at approximately 11:25 a.m. EST when the Artemis launch director authorized the team to start loading cryogenic liquid propellant into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Coordination with the mission management team ensured a smooth start to the tanking operations.

Weather Conditions and Monitoring

Despite concerns about the cold weather that could affect the final launch day, no significant weather constraints were identified for the tanking operations set for Monday. This clearance is crucial for the ongoing preparations.

Preparation of the Umbilicals

• The umbilicals connect the mobile launcher to both the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft.
• These connections facilitate power, communication, and fuel transfer.
• Additional stabilization accessories are also part of the setup.

As launch approaches, each umbilical will detach from the rocket to ensure safe lift-off.

Tanking Operations

The wet dress rehearsal includes a step-by-step process for filling cryogenic propellant, which will start 9 hours and 25 minutes before the countdown ends. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen will be transferred into the rocket’s core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage tanks. The team will manage the propellant levels, topping them off as necessary due to natural boil-off.

Monitoring and Live Feed

NASA is providing around-the-clock streaming of the rocket at the launch pad. There is a dedicated feed for monitoring the wet dress rehearsal activities, allowing enthusiasts and experts to follow along in real-time.

The Artemis II mission marks a significant step toward NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon. By successfully completing this wet dress rehearsal, NASA demonstrates its readiness for the exciting challenges ahead.