Swapna KrishnaThe stream is now live! #Artemis https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive
Going to try and keep this thread as unlisted after this post, but please feel free to also mute this conversation if you don’t care. #Artemis
Go for launch weather has been reduced to 80% from 90% (still good!) #Artemis
Got the "go" for loading liquid oxygen into the core stage.
"Go" for liquid hydrogen loading in the core stage.
Cryotanking will run for the next six hours or so.
We just got an update that the LH2 transfer line chilldown is complete. Slow fill has begun. On LOX side, they’re chilling down the main propulsion system.
(LH2 = liquid hydrogen, LOX = liquid oxygen)
Slow fill is a normal part of the tanking process. This is not part of the LH2 “kinder and gentler” fix for leaks.
Now in fast fill of LOX
Once fast fill of LH2 starts, that’s when we should be on the lookout for leaks.
Now transitioning to fast fill of LH2. This is when we start being on the lookout for leaks, though hopefully the "kinder and gentler" loading operations will preclude that
LH2 kickstart bleed complete, small leak but within range.
I haven’t really been updating here because…things have been going well?? Like REALLY well.
Core stage LOX is in topping off mode
Weather is back to 90 percent favorable and ICPS propellant loading is proceeding
There’s an intermittent liquid hydrogen leak that the team is keeping an eye on
Currently in stop flow for LH2
Working on a plan to send a team to the pad. That’s a big deal because you usually don’t send people out when the rocket has this much propellant already loaded.
They’re talking about the red team going to torque bolts located at the core stage replenish valve on the side of the mobile launcher
If the rocket launches tonight, it’s pretty safe to say it won’t be at the opening of the launch. The good news is that they were running about 20 minutes ahead before this and there’s a two-hour window.
Opening of the launch *window
Plan has been approved, currently waiting for the Red Team to depart. This is considered a hazardous operation.
Launch team is going to send two technicians with a safety lead to the mobile launcher to tighten the bolts.
They’ll be monitoring for (highly flammable) oxygen and hydrogen levels. The entire thing should take about 15 minutes. Emergency services and launch pad rescue are standing by. #Artemis #NASA #space
Tank updates: fully tanked and in replenish on core stage LOX and ICPS LOX and LH2. Currently in stop flow for LH2 on the core stage.
They’re basically working right where the RS-25 engines are, at that platform at the base of the rocket
It’s taking longer than 15 minutes. That’s because the team is working on the bolt, stepping back, letting the launch team cycle the valves to see if it worked, and then working again.
Work is completed. Correction from Derrol Nail, they cycled the valves but have NOT checked if it worked.
Red Crew has left the danger zone.
Still no word on whether the fix worked, but here’s the status of the core stage tanks. Because the LH2 is in stop flow and hasn’t been replenished, some of the liquid hydrogen has boiled off and will need to be refilled.
Engineers are working to fix it. Meanwhile propellant loading of LH2 has resumed.
And with THAT, I am going to bed. Crossing my fingers that this rocket launches tonight while I am asleep!
Vinay Aravind
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Heidi Li Feldman
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