Artemis II Wet Rehearsal Underway: Topping Liquid Hydrogen in SLS Upper Stage
NASA teams are currently conducting the topping phase of fueling liquid hydrogen for the Artemis II mission. This phase follows the successful completion of the vent and relief test on the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS).
Understanding the Vent and Relief Test
The vent and relief test is crucial for ensuring the safety of the rocket. It checks the proper functioning of valves that maintain safe pressure levels inside the upper stage liquid hydrogen tank. This verification minimizes the risk of any potential issues during the mission.
The Topping Phase
The topping process aims to fill the ICPS tank to its full capacity with liquid hydrogen. This step is essential to prepare the rocket for its launch readiness. Once topping is complete, the NASA teams will enter the replenishment mode. This mode keeps the tank at flight-ready levels as the countdown progresses.
Current Status of the SLS Propellant Tanks
- All other propellant tanks for the Space Launch System (SLS) are currently in replenishment mode.
- This approach ensures that all tanks are adequately prepared for the Artemis II mission.
Live Updates from NASA
Nasa is providing continuous updates on the Artemis II preparations. A 24/7 live stream captures the rocket’s status at the launch pad. Additionally, there is a separate feed dedicated to the wet dress rehearsal activities.
The Artemis II mission is scheduled to take place on February 2, 2026. As preparations continue, NASA remains focused on achieving safe and successful launch operations.
