Artemis I Launch Scrubbed

Jordan Sirokie

Update on the Artemis I launch. Sadly, Artemis I’s launch was scrubbed today. This means NASA aborted the 29th of August 2022 Artemis I launch. According to Artemis mission manager, Mike Sarafin, launch teams were unable to fix Artemis I’s engines on time for launch. Because of this, NASA had to scrub the mission. For now, the launch is on hold. And NASA has not yet confirmed any new launch dates for Artemis I. Currently, NASA is ironing out all of the technical problems.

NASA’s plan as of now is to fix the problems in the Space Launch System of Artemis I. Only after fixing the problem will they be releasing the new launch schedule for Artemis I. But possibly this Friday, the 2nd of September 2022 could be the new launch date for Artemis I. And the other possible date for launch is on Monday, 5th of September 2022.

What Went Wrong

Basically, NASA’s launch teams detected a problem with the bleed system in engine #3. This happened during the final pre-flight checking of Artemis I. One of the RS-25 engines in the core stage cannot maintain the appropriate temperatures for launch. But the other three of the four engines were performing as expected.

Diagram of the Space Launch System of Artemis I. Photo Credit: NASA

According to Sarafin, the importance of the bleed system was to cool the engines. The engine needs to be at a cryogenically cool temperature. This action is to help condition the engines for the thermal shock of the launch

NASA placed the launch on hold due to problems with the bleed system in the engine. This gave more time for NASA personnel to troubleshoot the problem. At 8:33 AM Eastern Time, the launch had 80 percent favorable weather conditions. This was during the start of the launch window of 8:33 to 10:33 AM. But as time went on, weather conditions started to deteriorate. Meteorologists expected that favorable weather conditions would drop down to 60 percent.

In the end, NASA concluded that Artemis I did not meet the criterion for launch. With engine #3’s continuing to have faults in its bleed system plus the deteriorating weather conditions. NASA had no other choice but to scrub the launch. NASA cannot jeopardize the safety of its people and the spacecraft.

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What Now

Press Briefing after scrubbing Artemis I launch. Photo Credit: NASA

Scrubbing launches are normal. Mike Sarafin illustrated this by telling his personal story on the 24th flight of the Space Shuttle. NASA scrubbed his Shuttle launch four times. This was also due to not meeting the criterion for launch. But by the fifth attempt, the shuttle was finally able to launch. This shows that everything must be perfect for any space launch to work.

Now NASA personnel are pouring into all the available information and data on the rocket to fix it. Currently, they are testing Artemis’s rockets which are still on the launch pad. In addition, NASA has confirmed that they will not be replacing the engine. But NASA needs more time to get conclusive information about the condition of the engine. For now, all we can do is wait for further developments.