The US space agency NASA declares the abandonment of the rocket propulsion test last weekend with its own caution. Deliberately conservative settings in the steering of the drives would have led to the termination. The rocket engines themselves ran without any problems and remained undamaged during the test.

NASA had four over the weekend RS – 25 – The engines of the planned Space Launch System (SLS) tested as part of the preparations for the Artemis I mission. Instead of simulating the complete rocket launch of eight minutes as planned, the rateken drive switched off prematurely for the new NASA moon mission.

Steering of the rocket engines responsible After an initial analysis, NASA blames the rocket drive system for the demolition. The engines must be flexible to control the rocket. However, the corresponding hydraulic system exceeded the preset limit values ​​during the test. This triggered the automatic shutdown.

NASA declares that it deliberately selected cautious settings for the rocket test on the ground in order to ensure the safety of the engines. In flight, the rocket would have continued on its way normally, as the thrust from the other engines would have been balanced out.

Four RS – 25 Rocket engines tested in January 2021

(Image: NASA-TV)

Overall, NASA rates the drive test as a success. All four rocket engines would have worked as expected and achieved the full thrust required for the launch of the Artemis I rocket.

Second rocket test recommended After further analysis of the data collected, NASA will decide whether a second rocket drive test is necessary. Then the parameters could be adjusted a little to avoid another premature shutdown.

Former head of the space shuttle program, Wayne Hale, recommends NASA to conduct another test to collect more data . That would take a few weeks, but the schedule is of secondary importance.

(fds)