Sept. 22 (UPI) — NASA’s first Artemis mission, which will pave the way for humans to return to the moon, appears to be on track to attempt launch next week after passing a key test.
Engineers have been working to repair the fuel leak from the moment verification failed. NASA said the large SLS rocket passed a key refueling check on Wednesday and was on track for a possible launch attempt on Sept. 27.
“After finding a hydrogen leak early in the charging process, engineers were able to take the factor and continue with planned activities. “
Wednesday’s review included comparing the hydrogen leak repair and new procedures for loading propellants into rocket tanks.
“All the goals we set for ourselves, we had to achieve today,” Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said, according to Space. com.
Data from Wednesday’s verification will be used to assess whether the rocket is fit to launch next week.