Orion SLS
The NASA SLS rocket, which has been delayed to the point where I don’t want to mention it anymore (they were already “firming their determination to launch in 2019” in 2017) has finally ushered in a relatively definite launch schedule, which is expected to be no earlier than February 2022 Launched on the 12th. This of course still depends on all previous tests passing smoothly, otherwise there may be another delay.
First of all, SLS has to go through individual tests of interface, engineering, communication, countdown and other systems, and then a rehearsal test called Wet Dress Rehearsal, which will be carried out by the entire program including fuel filling. If there is no problem here, there will be an exact launch date. Of course, after the launch date, it is still possible to encounter various conditions such as bad weather, but at least the completed rocket is already there. , There shouldn’t be a big postponement anymore, right?
The background of this schedule announcement was that the Orion manned capsule and the SLS rocket were combined for the first time last week to prepare for the Artemis I mission. Artemis I is the first launch of SLS, but there will be no astronauts on board. It is an unmanned experiment. In addition to confirming that all systems are normal, Artemis I will also measure acceleration, radiation and vibration data during the journey. Artemis II will be the first manned mission to prepare for NASA’s return to the moon in 2024. Although considering the budget and other realities, there is really little chance of returning to the moon in 2024, but at least now Orion and SLS are already finished products, and returning to the moon is no longer just a castle in the sky.