SLS – The Space Launch System is a Space Shuttle-derived launch vehicle. The first stage of SLS is powered by one central core stage and two outboard solid rocket boosters. SLS is under development since 2011 by NASA. SLS Rocket Launch Date is expected around 15 August 2022.
SLS’s recent wet dress rehearsal went successful on 21st June 2022.SLS is intended to become the successor of the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles. SLS is developed in 3 phases- Block 1, Block 1B, and Block 2.
The SLS rocket launch date is expected on 15 August 2022. SLS will launch from LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center. The first launch of SLS was planned by Congress in December 2016 but it has been delayed at least sixteen times since then.
SLS is planned to launch the Orion spacecraft as part of the Artemis program, making use of the ground operations and launch facilities at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Let’s know more about SLS Rocket Launch Date.
SLS Rocket Launch Date – Wet Dress Rehearsal
On 20th June 2022 NASA engineers tanked the SLS with fuel, getting through the last test before its inaugural flight. After reviewing the data the final date for the launch of the most powerful rocket- SLS will be decided. However, it is assumed to be launched around 15 August 2022. SLS is the part of major mission of the Artemis moon program.
The SLS has a fully stacked mega-rocket with an Orion crew capsule at the top. The SLS team is continuously running through the practice countdown called Wet Dress Rehearsal Test.
The previous attempts of the SLS launch failed in April because of problems with faulty valves, hydrogen leaks, and launch tower fans. However, the team has addressed those issues and completely loaded the rocket’s propellant tanks. The team also went through the entire countdown process, stopping at T-29 seconds at 7:37 pm Eastern Time.
“It was a long day for the team, but it was a very successful day, and it accomplished a majority of the objectives that we had not completed in the prior wet dress,” said Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, the Artemis launch director, at NASA’s press conference this morning.
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SLS Rocket Launch Date – Issues
The SLS Rocket Launch is facing too many problems as they didn’t follow the planned script. The launch controllers encountered technical problems, like a new leak of liquid hydrogen, supercooled down to a frigid – 423 degrees Fahrenheit and in the line that connects to the rocket’s core stage.
If this had happened on the Launch Day it would have triggered the launch computer to hold the countdown. The team however tricked the computer into not seeing the leak warning, so that they can go ahead with the practice countdown. They did not make it to the planned T 8.3 seconds mark as if they had continued the core stage RS-25 engine would have fired up.
Now the SLS Team is reviewing the data and in a few days, they will make a decision about whether to go with the fifth test or they can go ahead with the final launch on 15 August.
To Sum Up
The launch of the SLS rocket will be just one part of back-to-the-moon events by NASA that will start by this summer. This Saturday, NASA is planning to launch Capstone, a tiny CubeSat satellite that will travel the orbital path intended for the Lunar Gateway space station. Capstone is expected to be a staging point for astronauts traveling between Earth and the moon.
The next launch will be of Artemis 1 between July 26 and August 10, followed by another launch window about two weeks later. The SLS Rocket Launch Date depends on the fact that it works properly and the team of SLS said that they feel confident about the rocket system as they have met their most important milestones.
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FAQ’s
Q. When Was SLS Supposed To Launch?
On 20th June 2022 NASA engineers tanked the SLS with fuel, getting through the last test before its inaugural flight. After reviewing the data the final date for the launch of the most powerful rocket- SLS will be decided. However, it is assumed to be launched around 15 August 2022.
Q. Has Artemis 1 Launched Yet?
No, Artemis 1 is not been launched yet, NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission launch is expected around June 2023 in the new calendar. NASA has launched all the launch opportunities for 2022.
Q. What Will Artemis 2 Do?
Artemis 2 will set a record for the farthest human travel beyond the far side of the moon. The mission will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and splash down in the Pacific Ocean upon its return.
Q. Is Artemis 2 Manned?
Artemis 2 will be the first crewed flight test of the space launch system Artemis 2 and the Orion spacecraft around the Artemis moon.
