The mission management team chair has given a “go” to proceed with tanking the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis I wet dress rehearsal test. As the countdown continues, the launch director will be responsible for giving the “go” to officially begin the tanking process. Meteorologists with Space Launch Delta 45 said that weather remains favorable for the test.
Tanking begins with chilling down the liquid oxygen lines for the core stage. In sequential fashion, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen will flow into the into the rocket’s core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage tanks and be topped off and replenished as some of cryogenic propellant boils off. The team also will conduct leak checks to ensure propellant loading is proceeding as expected.
NASA is streaming live video of the rocket and spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B and providing live commentary on the agency’s website. Venting may be visible during tanking operations.