NASA is gearing up for a significant milestone in the Artemis 2 mission preparations by attempting a second full fueling test of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This operation, known as a wet dress rehearsal (WDR), is scheduled to begin with a call to stations at 6:40 p.m. EST (2340 UTC) on Tuesday, February 17, and will culminate in the actual fueling of the rocket on Thursday, February 19, targeting a simulated T-0 at 8:30 p.m. EST (0130 UTC).
The upcoming WDR follows a confidence test conducted on February 12, where teams loaded an unspecified amount of liquid hydrogen (LH2) into the rocket’s core stage. This test aimed to evaluate newly replaced seals in the propellant filling area. However, a ground equipment issue arose, which limited the flow of liquid hydrogen into the rocket. Despite this setback, NASA reported that the test yielded valuable data, particularly regarding the core stage interface known as the Tail Service Mast Umbilical (TSMU).
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted that the confidence test provided significant insights, particularly in observing lower leak rates compared to the first WDR conducted on February 3. During that initial test, hydrogen leaks were detected as the team transitioned from a slow to a fast fill rate of LH2, prompting pauses in the loading process. The test concluded with the clock stopping at T-5 minutes and 15 seconds due to exceeding the 16 percent LH2 limit in the air.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA’s Artemis Launch Director, emphasized the objectives for the upcoming WDR-2, which include taking the countdown down to T-1 minute and 30 seconds, holding for up to three minutes, and proceeding through the terminal countdown to T-33 seconds before pausing again. The team also plans to recycle the clock back to T-10 minutes and repeat the terminal count.
In a change from earlier plans, the closeout crew will participate in WDR-2 to demonstrate their launch day activities, although they will not be present in person. NASA leaders have reiterated that a formal launch date will not be set until after a successful WDR campaign, with March 6 remaining the earliest possible launch date within the March window. Isaacman stressed that safety remains the highest priority, stating, “We will not launch unless we are ready.”
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