NASA SLS test, as we know, it did not last the expected time (about 8 minutes). After a little more than a minute there was a shutdown due to a stop of the procedure. NASA has now explained some details.
by Mattia Speroni published 20 January 2021 , at 00: 21 in the Science channel and technology
NASA
We wrote yesterday about how Jim Bridenstine (NASA administrator) stated that Core Stage and engines of NASA SLS were in good condition after the hot fire test failed. As stated by the senior executive of the space agency, there would be some communications in the following hours, and so it happened. In fact, on the official blog you can read the first information.
The space agency wanted to confirm once again that the Core Stage and engines are in good condition. As reported, the blocking of the hot fire test would “been triggered by intentionally conservative test parameters to ensure the safety of the main phase during testing” . The NASA added that the parameters have been designed specifically for ground testing in order to work safely.
NASA SLS: some indications on the problems that occurred in the test
In particular, the stop would have occurred due to TVC (thrust vector control) which allows the four RS engines – 25 to move to change the direction of the thrust. During the scheduled tests, the hydraulic system associated with the power unit of the main stage for the engine 2 (code E 2056), has exceeded the preset test limits. The computer then blocked the tests to avoid possible major damage.
What would have happened if the same problem had plagued NASA SLS in flight? The space agency stated that in that case the rocket would continue to fly using the remaining CAPU to power thrust vector control systems for engines. The CAPUs are the Core Stage Auxiliary Power Units and are used to power the TVC . As expected in systems of this type, these are redundant solutions and therefore allow to overcome these problems in critical situations.
Despite everything, several tests have been successfully conducted such as wet dress rehearsal (fuel load) while they were made some changes to procedures. The achievement of the 109% thrust was also confirmed as in the case of a actual mission.
The MCF ( major component failure ), which occurred about 1.5 “after starting the motors, was not the cause of the test block. In that case there is it was a problem with the instrumentation of the engine 4 (E ) losing part of the redundancy. But a problem of this type is not considered so serious as to lead to the block of the test. by technicians.
That’s not all! In fact, the technicians are also trying to figure out where the ” flash “ that was seen in the videos. A first inspection did not reveal anything abnormal with normal temperatures. The thermal covers seem to have worked co rrectly protecting the critical parts. What will happen now? NASA SLS could take a second hot fire test but it has not yet been decided: this is because the ultra-cold fuel tanks are certified for nine uses and any further tests (involving fuel load) should therefore be carefully evaluated. As an example it was pointed out that the external tank used by the Space Shuttle had a limit set at thirteen.
They could also be “relax” the stringent current parameters to avoid further shutdowns due to non-worrying values. Nothing is still lost for a possible launch of the 2021, but surely the situation could evolve in the coming days , weeks and months.
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