NASA suspends space launch system testing for third time

NASA has had to stop testing the Space Launch System rocket for the third time. The space agency tried to fill the thruster with fuel on Thursday, but was hindered several times by leaks.

Several problems were detected when filling the fuel tanks, such as writes SpaceNews. At first, the fuel supply was found to be malfunctioning. After this problem was resolved, filling continued temporarily until a temperature limit was reached when liquid oxygen was supplied. This problem was also solved by NASA. It turned out that liquid hydrogen was leaking after which the National Aeronautics and Space Administration canceled the test altogether.

At Thursday’s wet dress rehearsal, the SLS rocket would be completely filled with fuel. After that, the launch countdown would start and be aborted at the last minute. After completing such a dress rehearsal, the thruster must actually be used for the upcoming Artemis I mission. For this moon mission, a first test launch would take place sometime this year, in which the rocket would have to fly to the moon without a crew. In 2025, Artemis III is planned, in which astronauts will actually be taken to the moon in collaboration with SpaceX.

The Artemis missions have run into a variety of problems in recent years. The actual moon mission has already been postponed due to problems with the astronauts’ spacesuits. Artemis I was also postponed due to an engine problem of the SLS. At the wet dress rehearsal earlier this month, it turned out that something was wrong with the launch pad.