NASA has successfully completed a full dress rehearsal of the Artemis II mission, including the complete cryogenic fueling sequence for the Space Launch System rocket, crew preparations, and testing of the final phase of the countdown.
During the two-day test, engineering teams exercised key pre-launch procedures and operational scenarios. The rehearsals identified several technical issues that require additional work, prompting NASA to adjust the launch schedule. As a result, March is now considered the earliest feasible launch window.
The launch delay means that the crew will temporarily exit quarantine, which began on January 21 in Houston, United States. The astronauts are expected to re-enter isolation approximately 14 days before the new launch window.
The 49-hour countdown began on January 31 at 20:13 Eastern Time. During fueling operations on February 2, teams closely monitored the effects of low temperatures at the Kennedy Space Center. Cold weather conditions delayed the start of fueling while engineers worked to stabilize temperature parameters at critical interface points.
A separate issue involved a liquid hydrogen leak at the fuel feed interface to the rocket’s core stage. Engineers temporarily halted fueling, allowed the system to warm, and adjusted propellant flow rates. Despite this interruption, both the core stage and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage were ultimately filled successfully.
After fueling was completed, a team of five specialists proceeded to the launch pad to carry out final closeout operations on the Orion spacecraft. The rehearsal marked the first execution of end-of-countdown procedures. The automated system halted the countdown approximately five minutes before the planned launch point due to a renewed increase in the hydrogen leak rate.
Additional issues were identified with the Orion hatch sealing valve, which had been replaced recently and required further adjustment. Low temperatures also affected the performance of several cameras and ground support systems. Intermittent disruptions were reported in audio communications between ground teams.
During the rehearsal, NASA also tested updated procedures for purging the Orion service module with breathable air instead of nitrogen. The change is intended to improve personnel safety in the “White Room” during crew ingress operations.
Before setting a final launch date, teams will conduct a detailed analysis of all collected data, resolve the identified issues, and carry out additional inspections.
Crew safety remains the top priority. The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. NASA will also hold a press conference to discuss the test results. The broadcast will take place on the agency’s official YouTube channel.
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Source: NASA
