The United States Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced
that its first lunar mission for the Artemis program is in the final testing
phase. NASA has successfully conducted a countdown test for the launch of
the second session on Monday (24/1/2022).
"The test demonstrated ground-launch software and a ground-launch sequencer,
which checks the condition and status of rockets placed on the runway," NASA
said in a statement.
The researchers added that this test was also used to ensure the Space
Launch System (SLS), as well as the Orion spacecraft, were compatible with
the sequencer.
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What? "This simulated launch countdown tests the response of both systems
and ensures the sequencer is operating correctly," the researchers said.
They explain that the Artemis 1 mission aims to send an unmanned spacecraft
around the Moon using SLS. If the Artemis 1 mission and future programming
tasks are successful, NASA plans a manned Artemis 2 mission to orbit the
moon in 2024.
Then, it made a landing by astronauts for the Artemis 3 mission in 2025
which was followed by another manned mission.
Meanwhile, he said there was still a lot of work to be done before the
Artemis 1 mission began live launch drills in February.
Therefore, the researcher will run all pre-launch operations to ensure the
system is ready for use. "Furthermore, the team will work to complete the
final program of special engineering tests for the Artemis 1 mission," NASA
said.
"The team will continue to carry out final inspections and closures of the
rocket on the Moon in preparation for live testing next month."
All of these tests, NASA said, were carried out inside the Kennedy Space
Center's Vehicle Assembly building in Florida. To note, the building is the
same building where the Apollo Saturn V rocket was tested and produced
around the 1960s.
