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Digital Desk: In the latest development to Nasa's Artemis 1 moon mission, the countdown clock for the mission has now been set to a pre-planned 30-minute halt at T-minus 10.
The US space agency's associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development, Jim Free confirmed the reports stating, "Have entered into the T-10 minute hold for #Artemis I launch. Currently evaluating the remaining work, including reverifying the replacement ethernet switch with the range. Will establish a new launch time shortly."
This suggests that the launch could be delayed from its scheduled time. This time, the issue was caused by a faulty Ethernet switch.
However, Nasa has claimed that engineers are tracking the loss of signal from a radar site needed for launch and are working to fix it as launch operations continue.
Earlier, the launch was also momentarily paused after the crew discovered leaks in the core stage. However, following troubleshooting, Nasa informed in a blog post, "The leak is not reoccurring. Engineers are back into liquid hydrogen fast fill operations on the interim cryogenic propulsion stage."
Red crew was called
Engineers were obliged to halt the flow of liquid hydrogen into the core stage due to a valve leak in the mobile launcher's ground structure, and a special team—the Red Crew—was dispatched to address the issue. The technicians on the Red crew have received specialized training to perform tasks on the launch pad during cryogenic loading procedures. To diagnose a valve used to refuel the core stage with liquid hydrogen that exhibited a leak with readings beyond limits, the experts went inside the mobile launcher's base and tightened numerous nuts. They are currently outside the launch pad's designated hazard zone after leaving the launch pad, according to NASA.
NASA was preparing to launch its new giant Moon rocket from Florida early Wednesday, but technical difficulties threatened to derail the mission for the third time.
Engineers were forced to halt the flow of liquid hydrogen into the core stage due to a valve leak in the mobile launcher ground structure, while a crew was dispatched to resolve the issue.
If the issue is resolved, weather remains 90 percent favourable for lift-off during a two-hour window that begins at 1:04 am local time (0604 GMT).
The Artemis 1 moon mission
The Artemis 1 mission, a test flight without people, is the first stage in the US space agency's ambition to establish a permanent presence on the Moon and use lessons learned there to prepare for a future expedition to Mars in the 2030s.
The new space mission, named after Apollo's sister in Greek mythology, arrives 50 years after humans last set foot on lunar soil.
The Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful ever manufactured, stands 32 stories tall and will be launched for the first time.
For the time being, the countdown at the legendary Kennedy Space Center, where the orange and white behemoth awaits its first flight, is stalled.
The launch is slated to happen less than a week after Hurricane Nicole passed over the area where the rocket was waiting to launch.
The hurricane destroyed a tiny strip of caulk-like material that encircles the Orion crew capsule atop the rocket, making it more aerodynamic. However, NASA stated on Monday that the risk was low.
If necessary, there are two backup dates available on November 19 and 25.
'Extremely excited'
Around 100,000 people are expected to gather on the beachfront to witness the launch, which is expected to light up the night sky.
After three unsuccessful excursions to the launch, St. Louis, Missouri resident Andrew Trombley, a space enthusiast, is anxiously hoping for a successful liftoff.
"I've been down here a couple of times before to watch this thing go up and have it cancelled, so this is like, whatever, the third trip down here for this, so I'm excited to see it go," said the network engineer.
"Because I was too young during the Apollo missions, I wanted to be here in person," he added.
The launch has garnered a large number of tourists as well as residents.
The moon's far side
At the end of September, the rocket had to be wheeled back to its assembly building to be sheltered from another hurricane, Ian.
Prior to these weather delays, two launch attempts were cancelled due to technical issues.
The first malfunction included a malfunctioning sensor, while the second involved a fuel leak that occurred as the rocket's tanks were being filled. It is powered by extremely volatile, extremely cold liquid oxygen and hydrogen.
Since then, NASA has changed its methods and replaced a seal in an effort to minimise thermal shock.
The Orion capsule will be lifted by two boosters and four powerful engines beneath the core stage, which will detach after only a few minutes.
After a last push from the top stage, the capsule will be well on its way, taking many days to reach its destination.
Instead of landing on the Moon, it will take a far orbit 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometres) beyond the far side – further than any other habitable spacecraft so far.
Finally, Orion will set off on its return journey. The capsule's heat shield will have to endure temperatures half as hot as the Sun's surface while travelling through the atmosphere.
If the mission takes off on Wednesday, it will last for 25 and a half days, with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11.
After more than a decade of developing the SLS rocket, NASA is banking on a successful flight. A public audit predicts that by the end of 2025, it will have spent more than $90 billion on its new moon mission.
In 2024, Artemis 2 will conduct a moon flyby with astronauts.
Boots on the ground should occur during Artemis 3 no later than 2025, with the crew slated to include the first woman and first person of colour on the moon.
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