NASA postpones Artemis I launch: 4 issues spacecraft faced

#artemis #MoonLanding #NASA

NASA postponed the launch of its moon mission, Artemis I
An engine-bleed issue with engine #3 was behind the postponement
The engine did not reach the high-accuracy temperature required for launch

Written By:Sayak

Updated: August 29 2022 03:56:40 AM ET Florida, USA

NASA was scheduled to launch its Artemis I moon mission on August 29, 2022. However, the agency decided to postpone the launch after a technical issue with engine #3. NASA has provided an update saying that the next launch window will be opened on Friday, Sept. 2, at 12:48 PM ET.

NASA posted on Instagram saying that its team will continue to evaluate the situation and will provide an update as and when details surface:

The launch of #Artemis I is no longer happening today as teams work through an issue with an engine bleed. Teams will continue to gather data, and we will keep you posted on the timing of the next launch attempt. https://t.co/tQ0lp6Ruhv pic.twitter.com/u6Uiim2mom

— NASA (@NASA) August 29, 2022

Here are four issues that the moon mission faced:

Engine #3 bleed

The primary issue that prevented the launch was the engine #3 bleed. An engine bleed is carried out before every launch. During this process, hydrogen is made to cycle through the engines to prepare them for take-off. However, among the four engines of Artemis I, engine #3 was facing a bleeding-related issue.

Also Read| NASA postpones Artemis I launch due to engine issue

Engine didn’t achieve high-accuracy temperature

Derrol Nail, who was the launch control commander of this mission, said that engine #3 “didn’t get the high accuracy temperature that they were looking for”. Before launch, all engines of a spacecraft need to be at a particular temperature. Nail also added that the fuelled rocket will be kept at the Kennedy Space Centre as engineers figure out the issue with engine #3.

Launch window was for two hours

A number of factors need to be taken into consideration for a successful spacecraft launch, including weather conditions, distance from destination, et al. The launch for Artemis had a two-hour window, and when the issue couldn’t be resolved within said time-frame, the only option left was to scrap the same for the time being.

Also Read| Items Artemis I is carrying: From Snoopy toy to Apollo 11 mission patch

“We don’t launch until it’s right”: NASA administrator

Bill Nelson, the NASA administrator, reportedly told Nail that the launch cannot be carried out until all requisitions are met. He added, “It’s just illustrative that this is a very complicated machine, a very complicated system. All those things have to work”.