SLS / Orion - Tests, Launches, & Developments

Avatar2go · Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:56 am

Reports are that NASA will defer the Artemis rollback decision for up to 24 hours, due to further slowing of Tropical Storm Ian.

Ian is now showing signs of intensification that would lead to a hurricane, but the track uncertainty is increasing due to weak steering.

So the original 27th launch date would have been in the clear, but nothing to be done about that now. They have to estimate the risk as best they can, based on the current forecast.

The next opportunity is Oct 2nd, but if Ian continues to slow or meanders, that date will be in jeopardy too.

If that looks to be the case, they might roll back just to preserve LP27 opportunities in late October.

zanl188 · Mon Sep 26, 2022 3:27 pm

Rollback decided on for tonight. First motion 11PM eastern.

Francoflier · Mon Sep 26, 2022 4:20 pm

I heard on a webcast recently that rolling the assembly back and forth between the pad and the VAB actually put quite a bit of stress on the vehicle. More so on fact than the pressure and temperature cycling of the rocket during tests and WDRs.
I wonder if that's true, and why that would be.

It's no small endeavor I imagine and engineers certainly seem to favor not having to do so if they can avoid it.
How many round trips has SLS done now?

Avatar2go · Mon Sep 26, 2022 4:44 pm

Francoflier wrote:
I heard on a webcast recently that rolling the assembly back and forth between the pad and the VAB actually put quite a bit of stress on the vehicle. More so on fact than the pressure and temperature cycling of the rocket during tests and WDRs.
I wonder if that's true, and why that would be.

It's no small endeavor I imagine and engineers certainly seem to favor not having to do so if they can avoid it.
How many round trips has SLS done now?

Artemis has a design life for all the cycles it has to undergo. So there are limits to number of trips to the pad, number of tanking cycles, amount of time at the pad, etc. They said in the briefings that they are not close to any of the limits yet, but that they continuously evaluate based on the history of the vehicle.

The real question now is what they will decide to do at VAB, and whether they can get back out in time for LP27. At a minimum they need to recertify the FTS, but there are also inspections, charging the cubesats, and other maintenance work they could choose to do.

One thing they may do, is to ask range to extend the recertification limit while it's being done, instead of waiting and requesting an extension on the pad. That makes more sense and it eliminates one of the launch constraints.

If they can't hit LP27 at the end of October, then it's LP28 in November, which are all night missions, and short missions.

TangoandCash · Mon Sep 26, 2022 6:56 pm

Francoflier wrote:
I heard on a webcast recently that rolling the assembly back and forth between the pad and the VAB actually put quite a bit of stress on the vehicle. More so on fact than the pressure and temperature cycling of the rocket during tests and WDRs.
I wonder if that's true, and why that would be.

It's no small endeavor I imagine and engineers certainly seem to favor not having to do so if they can avoid it.
How many round trips has SLS done now?

I've heard the same thing. I would guess with the crawler transporter there's probably a degree of vibration on the crawler as at rolls along, whereas the tanking cycles would be more expansion/contraction with the cold liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen. Different stresses in different directions. Plus I would bet there's some sort of small motion that puts stress on the attachment points.

Disclaimer: not an engineer, just work with some. I do recall reading in a book about the Apollo program that there was a "bouncing" problem with the crawlers at "speed"--I'm assuming that issue has been addressed sometime in the last 50+ years!

Avatar2go · Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:03 am

NASA has revealed that the electrical fire incident in the high bay yesterday was an arc flash event, which ocurred in an electrical connector. A spark landed on a cordon rope, which began to smolder, so crews pulled the alarm which evacuated the building. A fairly minor incident.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2022/09/ ... -building/

Francoflier · Thu Sep 29, 2022 2:28 am

That decision to bring SLS back to the barn was definitely the right one... It looks like the Cape will take a direct hit from that storm.
I hope the facilities don't take too much damage and that it won't cause any further delay to the launch.

Avatar2go · Thu Sep 29, 2022 5:13 am

Yep, direct hit. Fortunately intensity is forecast to be 55 knots crossing the east coast. Still a major storm though.

Avatar2go · Fri Sep 30, 2022 9:11 pm

NASA has announced there is no major damage at the Cape facilities, apart from some water intrusion. They are targeting LP28 in November for the next Artemis launch attempt. They want to provide some time for staff to address storm damage at home.

In the meantime they will recertify the FTS and perform other necessary maintenance functions, to prepare the vehicle for rollout and launch.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis/2022/09/ ... or-launch/

Avatar2go · Wed Oct 12, 2022 4:09 pm

NASA has announced a target Artemis roll out date of November 5th to 8th, with a target launch date on November 14th, and fallback dates on November 16th, 19th, and 25th.

These are preliminary dates and subject to change. All except the 25th would be night launches, around 1 am. The 25th would be a day launch around 10 am.

TangoandCash · Wed Oct 12, 2022 7:36 pm

Avatar2go wrote:
NASA has announced a target Artemis roll out date of November 5th to 8th, with a target launch date on November 14th, and fallback dates on November 16th, 19th, and 25th.

These are preliminary dates and subject to change. All except the 25th would be night launches, around 1 am. The 25th would be a day launch around 10 am.

Interesting that they would do the first launch at night, thinking of all the tracking cameras and recordings made of even "routine" shuttle launches.

Avatar2go · Wed Oct 12, 2022 9:10 pm

TangoandCash wrote:

Interesting that they would do the first launch at night, thinking of all the tracking cameras and recordings made of even "routine" shuttle launches.

My NASA sources say there is an internal debate, between those that want to try early to conserve component lifespan, and those who want to wait for daylight on the 25th and after, even if that means delaying until December. Either could conceivably work, with November being better for the mission.

The problem they have is reserving launch dates with range, who need at least 30 days notice and have to fit it into their launch schedule.

GDB · Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:05 am

Given that Apollo 17 was a night launch, maybe fitting?
Thanks for updates.

BEG2IAH · Thu Oct 13, 2022 6:25 pm

NASA would probably prefer a daily launch, but a night launch would be a treat for the folks around KSC. I saw the last night shuttle launch and I will never forget even the smallest details. We could see the main engines burn until the MECO. It was a small dot at that point, but it was such a clear night. It was absolutely spectacular. I still have a video of it.

Avatar2go · Sat Oct 29, 2022 10:33 pm

The Falcon Heavy NRO payload launch is now rumored to be delayed, which may impact the Artemis rollout and launch, and could push it into December.

NASA is conducting the Artemis FTS certification this weekend, which starts the 21/25 day clocks rolling. The FAA has said they are reluctant to close airspace over the Thanksgiving weekend, to avoid travel delays, which may cut off the second half of the Artemis LP28.

Other launches have now also been delayed until November. So congestion at KSC means they probably can't all be launched before Thanksgiving.

December may not be much better, as it also has holiday FAA restrictions on aerospace closure.

Avatar2go · Mon Oct 31, 2022 8:46 pm

Whatever issues Falcon Heavy had while remaining on the pad after the static fire test, are resolved. It went back to the facility for payload integration yesterday, and is on its way back to the pad now, for launch tomorrow morning. So should not impact the Artemis roll out or launch schedule in November.

GDB · Tue Nov 01, 2022 12:08 am

Avatar2go wrote:
Whatever issues Falcon Heavy had while remaining on the pad after the static fire test, are resolved. It went back to the facility for payload integration yesterday, and is on its way back to the pad now, for launch tomorrow morning. So should not impact the Artemis roll out or launch schedule in November.

As ever, thanks for the update.

Hopefully then, both LC-39A and B get to do launches again.

nycbjr · Tue Nov 01, 2022 8:08 pm

https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-1-mo ... 9994E2C5A9

Looks like this friday she's taking another trip to the pad!

Avatar2go · Thu Nov 03, 2022 4:50 pm

From the NASA media conference today on SLS:

1. All work completed in VAB. Batteries replaced and/or charged, FTS recertified, extra day of margin.
2. Rollout tonight at midnight
3. Launch NET Nov 14th just after midnight
4. Backup dates on 16th and 19th, 25th is an option but would require range and FAA approval.
5. Night launch doesn't create undo concerns
6. Will be a short-duration mission.
7. Booster life is not an issue at present, expiration in December under existing analysis, new analysis likely to extend further if necessary.
8. No damage from Hurricane Ian
9. Hydrogen leaks related to controlling pressure and temperature across the quick disconnect umbilical. Have learned, improved, and rehearsed procedures.
10. Cubesats should still be able to recharge in orbit, may need to use contingencies for charge time.
11. Watching the weather but no concerns at this time.

Avatar2go · Fri Nov 04, 2022 2:33 am

For the Artemis fans, here is what a ride in the VAB elevator looks like, from bottom to top levels, with the rocket in residence. Note the elevator itself is quite fast, this is slow motion.

https://media.discordapp.net/attachment ... P_edit.mp4

There is a momentary view of the umbilical quick disconnect emerging from the TSMU. And of the walkway arm extended to Orion.

nycbjr · Fri Nov 04, 2022 3:30 pm

Avatar2go wrote:
For the Artemis fans, here is what a ride in the VAB elevator looks like, from bottom to top levels, with the rocket in residence. Note the elevator itself is quite fast, this is slow motion.

https://media.discordapp.net/attachment ... P_edit.mp4

There is a momentary view of the umbilical quick disconnect emerging from the TSMU. And of the walkway arm extended to Orion.

thanks for sharing! wonder if they got permission to use the star trek theme lol

Avatar2go · Mon Nov 07, 2022 4:39 pm

KSC and the Eastern Range have gone to condition HURCON 4, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Nicole, which is forecast to hit the Florida coast on Thursday, near hurricane strength.

NASA is watching the wind forecast to determine if Artemis will need to roll back. It can withstand up to 74 knot gusts. More than that for any duration, and it will have to go back.

Since this is 4 days before launch, it could interfere with preparations, even if Artemis doesn't roll back. They have a number of potential dates in LP28 before the Thanksgiving holiday begins.

If they roll back, at best they would have only a few days remaining in LP28, and might slip to LP29 in December.

Avatar2go · Mon Nov 07, 2022 10:27 pm

NASA has announced they will attempt to ride out Tropical Storm Nicole with Artemis at the pad, unless the forecast worsens between now and landfall. Winds at the Cape are expected to average 34 knots.

The November 14th launch date is now open to question. The SpaceX F9 launch scheduled for tomorrow is postponed to NET November 12th.

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech ... 291457001/

Avatar2go · Tue Nov 08, 2022 4:01 pm

KSC has now moved to HURCON 3, winds in excess of 50 knots expected within 48 hours. NASA is committed now to Artemis remaining on the pad. Forecasts are still showing sustained winds of 40 to 45 knots at ground level as Nicole passes.

It may boil down to the final track, as Nicole has the highest winds in the northwest sector, which are presently forecast to reach 65 knots.

Francoflier · Tue Nov 08, 2022 5:24 pm

I hope that decision to leave it out there doesn't come back and bite them in the arse.
Speaking of behinds, I now suspect that in a couple of days, plenty of cheeks will be clenched so hard over at the Cape that they could stop a hydrogen leak...

The SLS curse continues.

Avatar2go · Tue Nov 08, 2022 6:30 pm

The wind gust tolerance profile for Artemis/Mobile Launcher hard-down on the pad and de-tanked, is 70 knots at the base and 87 knots at the 300 foot level.

That should be well within the forecasted profile, which is 35 knots at ground level, and 45 knots at 300 feet.

Avatar2go · Tue Nov 08, 2022 11:26 pm

NASA has now officially deferred the launch of Artemis from November 14th to November 16th, at 1:04 am ET, due to Nicole.

They are also unofficially seeking approval for November 26th as a potential third launch date. That would require permission from the Eastern Range and FAA.

One benefit of the 16th date is that the launch window is an hour longer. NASA remains confident that Artemis can weather the storm on the pad.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis/2022/11/ ... ts-launch/

Avatar2go · Wed Nov 09, 2022 12:08 pm

KSC is now at HURCON 2 status, with winds picking up considerably. Forecasted intensity for Nicole is unchanged at 65 knots sustained. Forecast for the Cape is unchanged at 35 to 40 knots sustained, 55 to 60 knots gust. Storm track has shifted slightly south overnight, making landfall just north of Palm Beach, at roughly midnight tonight.

Avatar2go · Thu Nov 10, 2022 8:07 am

Hurricane Nicole has made landfall on the Florida coast, about 100 miles south of the launch complex. It's currently a weak Category 1 with max sustained winds of 75 to 80 knots.

Weather stations on the Pad39B lightning towers are showing sustained winds of 48 knots, slightly higher than predicted, with gusts to 60 knots. Still well within the margins of the vehicle. There will be 2 more hours of these conditions before they diminish. These are the peak conditions for KSC, for this storm.

Avatar2go · Thu Nov 10, 2022 12:32 pm

Nicole now over the Florida peninsula, passing to the north and west of the Cape. Also downgraded to tropical storm. Winds are sharply diminishing as they swing from the west.

Now Artemis will have to be inspected, to see if any minor damage ocurred. But it was monitored through the night and no major events were noted.

Avatar2go · Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:15 pm

NASA statement from Jim Free on impact of
Nicole on Artemis. Pad will reopen at 5 pm ET, but they want to allow time for staff to deal with issues at home. Remote inspection has found only minor damage. They will walk down the rocket for manual inspection and evaluate wind structural impact in the next few days. Winds were higher than expected but remained within limits.

https://twitter.com/JimFree/status/1590 ... icGJPJokFw

Avatar2go · Fri Nov 11, 2022 5:10 pm

NASA has announced there will be a media briefing on Artemis at 3 pm ET today. This may be in response to criticisms made by AccuWeather, and echoed by some space journalists, that leaving Artemis at the pad during Nicole was an excessive risk, based on wind gusts that they had forecast.

The gust data collected at the pad do not support that conclusion. Momentary peaks of 90 and 100 mph, were recorded at the 384 and 459 foot levels on the lightning towers. But further down where the rocket is, average gusts were in the 70 to 75 mph range. While that was higher than expected, it was still within the limits of the vehicle.

So should be interesting to hear what NASA has to say about the current state of Artemis. All indications are that plans for launch are continuing for next week.

https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive

aumaverick · Fri Nov 11, 2022 6:05 pm

How come the launch tower for Artemis does not have the same shield/door that the Orbiter had when it was sitting on the pad? Is it simply that the rocket is too tall and the existing shield would have needed to be redesigned?

Avatar2go · Fri Nov 11, 2022 7:15 pm

aumaverick wrote:
How come the launch tower for Artemis does not have the same shield/door that the Orbiter had when it was sitting on the pad? Is it simply that the rocket is too tall and the existing shield would have needed to be redesigned?

I think you're referring to the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). It covered the shuttle payload bay to permit sheltered access to the bay at the launch pad. Although large payloads like Hubble and SpaceLab were loaded in the high bay of VAB, many smaller payloads were loaded at the pad.

The RSS also could be closed over the shuttle with payload doors shut, to provide additional weather protection. There is no similar structure for Artemis, as there are no payload operations at the pad.

In fact Artemis is the first program to have no service structure available for the pad. The decision was made early on that the cost of such a huge structure would be far too great, for the few times it might be needed or used. So the end result is that, apart from the engine & booster sections at base level, and some limited operations around the LAS/Orion fairing, Artemis has to go back to the VAB for servicing.

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shut ... cture.html

Avatar2go · Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:58 pm

From NASA briefing today, there was no violation of any of the Artemis wind certifications during Nicole. They measured wind at several heights along the mobile launcher, as well as on the lightning towers.

Also measured the loads at all the rocket supports. All within certification limits. Vehicle also has a 25% safety factor, did not invade that margin. Vehicle is designed to be at the pad in bad weather, which is expected at KSC.

1. Had a ripped weather cover on one engine, dislodged caulking, an electrical TSM umbilical harness that may have had water intrusion, and an Orion umbilical that was blown out if its cradle. All repairable.

2. The vehicle purges all remained active throughout the storm, no pressure variations to indicate leaks or damaged seals.

Still on track for launch preparation for the 16th, with 19th and 25th as backups.

BEG2IAH · Sun Nov 13, 2022 7:32 am

Avatar2go, thank you for all the detailed updates!

Avatar2go · Sun Nov 13, 2022 10:21 pm

Coming up at 7 pm ET tonight, is a NASA Artemis pre-launch briefing, with the mission managers.

https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive

Avatar2go · Mon Nov 14, 2022 2:39 am

From the NASA media briefing for Artemis Mission Management:

1. Open item on Orion loss of RTV silicone caulk. Need to be sure any loose caulk is removed, so it doesn't dislodge in flight.
2. Repowering of vehicle found no issues. Noise present in umbilical electrical connector, so will replace it, but it's one of 3 redundant connectors.
3. 26 day mission.
4. Excellent weather for launch, 90% Pgo.

Still on track for launch on the 16th, backup on the 19th and 25th if needed. Another conference tomorrow before call to stations and countdown start.

Avatar2go · Mon Nov 14, 2022 7:32 am

Artemis call to stations and countdown start. Launch in 48 hours. Here are a countdown highlights.

https://www.nasa.gov/content/artemis-i- ... ntdown-101

GDB · Mon Nov 14, 2022 8:41 am

Avatar2go wrote:
Artemis call to stations and countdown start. Launch in 48 hours. Here are a countdown highlights.

https://www.nasa.gov/content/artemis-i- ... ntdown-101

Here we go again, grateful for the updates even if since September I open with some trepidation, here’s hoping........

30989 · Mon Nov 14, 2022 11:10 am

Lets hope it goes this time.

Avatar2go · Mon Nov 14, 2022 2:00 pm

GDB wrote:

Here we go again, grateful for the updates even if since September I open with some trepidation, here’s hoping........

Always possible for something to interrupt the launch countdown. Based on past events, the most likely would be a hydrogen leak. But none of those events were serious flaws in the vehicle, just disappointing that the launch didn't occur as planned. I have confidence that if they can get through the minor glitches, they will go. So am hoping this time too...

Avatar2go · Mon Nov 14, 2022 8:14 pm

Another Artemis pre-launch briefing today at 6 pm ET, to cover progress on the mission management meeting today. Launch countdown continues.

Avatar2go · Tue Nov 15, 2022 12:29 am

From the NASA mission management update meeting briefing:

1. Vehicle is fully powered and nominal.
2. Replaced umbilical electrical connector, still some transients observed at power up, but no launch commit violation conditions were found, full redundancy is present.
3. RTV silicone caulk loss underwent further review, flight rational was accepted and issue closed.
4. Launch countdown continues toward tanking tomorrow afternoon.
5. Hydrogen leakage at the transition from slow fill to fast fill will be watched closely. A 10% momentary surge will be allowed above the 5% limit value, to permit healing procedures.

BEG2IAH · Tue Nov 15, 2022 10:14 pm

Fast fill of both core stage tanks under way.

Avatar2go · Tue Nov 15, 2022 10:44 pm

Artemis has survived the fill transitions and engine bleeds that have caused hydrogen leaks in the past. That's a major milestone.

There was a brief pulse of 4% hydrogen in the purge can at the transition, but stayed within launch criteria. Shows that they have learned to tame the LH2 beast with this rocket and mobile platform.

Avatar2go · Wed Nov 16, 2022 12:29 am

Fill of ICPS is now beginning. Count has been clean thus far, they are an hour and 20 minutes ahead of schedule. They had built in considerable buffer to deal with potential issues.

bobinthecar · Wed Nov 16, 2022 1:10 am

I don't remember all this drama with the shuttle. As I recall it used liquid hydrogen for fuel as well. What changed? Why do other orbital launchers not have all this drama before launch?

GDB · Wed Nov 16, 2022 2:49 am

bobinthecar wrote:
I don't remember all this drama with the shuttle. As I recall it used liquid hydrogen for fuel as well. What changed? Why do other orbital launchers not have all this drama before launch?

Not an expert but Shuttle scrubs, albeit not for just this reason, were very common. The current NASA Administrator recalled there were 5 for his flight.

bobinthecar · Wed Nov 16, 2022 3:06 am

Something like 121 scrubs out of 135 launches for shuttle. Many had to do with liquid hydrogen in one way or the other. After all this experience with liquid hydrogen you would think they would have either gotten it right or ditched it as a fuel. It's not surprising that just about every new engine uses liquid methane instead. It's much of the advantages of hydrogen with none of the drawbacks. I guess that's what happens when you use 50 year old technology and 40 year old engines on your new rocket.

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