NASA delays Artemis I’s launch for a second time - The Verge

NASA has delayed the launch of its Space Launch System again, following another scrubbed attempt in late August. This time, the delay was caused by a hydrogen leak that engineers failed to fix during several troubleshooting attempts.

NASA has once again scrubbed the debut launch of its Space Launch System (or SLS) rocket after engineers failed to fix a persistent hydrogen leak.

The hydrogen leak was first noticed this morning, soon after the rocket began being fueled with liquid hydrogen. NASA said the leak “developed in the supply side of the 8-inch quick disconnect while attempting to transfer fuel to the rocket.” The team made three troubleshooting attempts, but a leak was detected after each effort to fix the problem. After the third time, engineers recommended that the launch be a ‘no go.’ Soon after, the mission’s launch director, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, decided to scrub the launch attempt.

The SLS is meant to be one of the workhorses of NASA’s Artemis program. For this mission, called Artemis I, it is tasked with launching the uncrewed Orion crew capsule around the Moon. On future missions, NASA will attempt to return astronauts to the lunar surface using SLS, Orion, and additional equipment.

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The agency also scrubbed the previous launch attempt of the SLS, which was supposed to happen on August 29th, citing issues with the engine bleed system meant to help the engines get to a proper temperature before takeoff. A hydrogen leak was also detected during that launch attempt.

https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/3/23327972/nasa-artemis-i-sls-second-delay

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