​The day when a new launch from the Artemis 1 mission will be attempted is still unknown, but much also depends on the “bomb” installed on the rocket. This is a pyrotechnic self-destruct system that is activated if, after launch, the missile risks being in danger for people on the ground.

Work on the Artemis missionPhoto: NASA

In order for this system to work, it has a set of batteries that are certified for 25 days, after which they need to be charged, which can only be done in the hangar.

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Battery certification has already been extended from 20 to 25 days, but discussions are underway to grant an additional waiver that would extend the interval to more than 40 days. If the rejection is received, the rocket can be launched without taking it to the hangar, and therefore the launch will be possible in September. A waiver must be obtained from the United States Space Force, which is part of the US military

This detonation system, called the Flight Termination System, was developed by the military and is important because the rocket’s tanks contain millions of liters of flammable liquid fuel.

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If the missile’s trajectory after launch differs from the programmed one, the system can be activated to prevent the missile from falling to the ground and causing damage.

The SLS rocket and Orion capsule have been on the launch pad since August 17, with failed launch attempts on August 29 and September 3.

It takes 8-11 hours to travel to the hangar with the giant transporter, and a lot of research and repairs can ONLY be done in the hangar, but the upcoming launch date will be pushed back to October. On the other hand, it’s also not bad if the rocket sits in the open sky on the ramp for a long time, given that the weather in Florida is capricious and there are components that can suffer.

NASA said engineers could replace a seal on the launch pad that caused the hydrogen leak on Saturday.

On the evening of September 8, NASA will hold a press conference on the next steps.

Sources: NASA, Washington Post, SpaceNews