Launch attempt of Artemis 1 scrubbed after leak detected; next try will come in October

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —

NASA launch teams said Thursday that they are still aiming for a launch attempt this month, but they’ll need approval from the Space Force.

Space Launch Delta 45 controls the eastern range and oversees public safety for all launches from the Cape.

“They have been very gracious and understanding of what we are trying to do. I’ll reiterate to the fact that our job is to live by their requirements. It is their range,” NASA associate administrator Jim Free said.

NASA needs a waiver for an extension on a check of the SLS rocket’s self-destruct system. Currently, the system batteries are up against a 25-day limit, and the new launch windows of Sept. 23 and 27 are beyond that.

Another hurdle to cross for the launch teams is that they need to fully tank both the lower and upper sections of the SLS core. This is to make certain that the fix of the hydrogen leak is working.

That tanking is planned for Sept. 17 after a seal is replaced. And out on the pad, they can use cryogenic fuel while trying a new method to avoid issues seen during the past two launch attempts.

“A change in our operations to reduce the pressure and flow changes during tanking. So we are calling it a ‘kinder and gentler’ approach to tanking,” said Mike Bolger of NASA Ground Systems.

With the team confident of the path forward to those two launch attempt windows comes with a reminder from Free.

“I think the administrator said it best: The cost of failure is much higher than the cost of scrubbing. I can’t say it better than that. We have an obligation to get this right,” Free said.

NASA’s next chance to get it right is at 6:47 a.m. Sept. 23.