Thread: Artemis launch

Originally Posted by BradC

Anyone watching ? Issue with Hydrogen bleed in engine 3, but otherwise seems on track.

Artemis I Tanking Operations - YouTube

Countdown paused at T-40 due to hydrogen issue.

and here
paint drying excitement

Originally Posted by NavyDiver

and here
paint drying excitement

True, but first launch I've actually been interested in since I saw Discovery go up in 88 in Florida (first launch since the Challenger disaster).

Originally Posted by BradC

True, but first launch I've actually been interested in since I saw Discovery go up in 88 in Florida (first launch since the Challenger disaster).

On Hold for at least 80 minutes - Bleeding issue on one engine. Looking like its a no go. 2 hour launch window time is ticking to fix it.

Just been scrubbed. Oh well.

Not just a single issue. A whole string of them, including the weather. see Warning sign? NASA never finished a fueling test before today’s SLS launch attempt | Ars Technica

Perhaps worth pointing out that the SLS, the program stating with the aim of being faster and cheaper by reusing existing technology (the motors are unused shuttle motors - the capability to build these no longer exists, and the solid boosters are shuttle ones with an extra module added) it would be able to have the first launch in 2011. Now tens of billions of dollars over the original estimates, we now have a 1980s technology launch vehicle that is not reusable, and can at best have about one launch per year.

Meanwhile, SpaceX, who barely existed in 2011, is launching smaller but still large (Falcon 9) rockets about once a week for a tiny fraction of the cost per kg. And their Starship, not much smaller than the SLS, but reusable and far cheaper, has made several successful test launches (and several unsuccessful) and is expected to be in commercial service by the end of the year. And has already been selected for the descent stage to the moon for the Artemis program in 2025.

But the SLS has been highly successful - it is just about the largest and most enduring pork barrel scheme in US history, spreading work to, I believe, 22 states, and ensuring the reelection of a number of Congressmen and Senators.

Geez, you'd think it's rocket science the way they carry on... Oh, wait...

Didn't sit up as I had an early start but following with interest. Was expecting to wake up to some good footage from the launch. Hopefully all issues worked through and sorted for the next attempt.

Originally Posted by Homestar

Geez, you'd think it's rocket science the way they carry on... Oh, wait...

That's the issue I think. They had a room full of rocket scientists when they really needed a rocket surgeon.

I had live NASA links when the Space Shuttle Program was running. You could follow live 24/7 from the Space Centre then , I don't know if you still can.

I did same with Bert Rutans space program.

Even Virgin Galactic got boring.

I actually saw the Chinese Space. Station the other night, almost as bright as the International Space Station, but now that Putin has the ****s with the world , who is going to provide logistics for the ISS now that Russia is withdrawing?

I think there may only be limited moon landing in future. We'll see.